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Fulton-Desplaines Garage and Service
Rating Details »
Category: Auto Repair [Edit]
Neighborhood: Near West Side225 N Desplaines St
(at Fulton St)
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 726-4838
- Nearest Transit:
-
Clinton (Pink, Green)
Grand (Blue O'Hare)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
25 reviews for Fulton-Desplaines Garage and Service
After my car was stolen for a joyride and dumped in the ghetto, (stripped of the ignition), I needed a place to get it fixed. Looked on yelp, saw this garage had great reviews, and decided to give it a shot.
I wasn't disappointed. Matt fixed the ignition and did all the work dealing with my insurance company. He said I didn't have to worry about it, which was one less set of phone calls I had to make, trying to fix the whole stolen car debacle.
My ignition was replaced quickly, and they even put on my temporary plate since they saw it sitting on the dashboard. Yes, the thieves even stole my license plates. :(
At least Fulton-Desplaines Garage helped make my ordeal somewhat less painful. Now if only I could find those thieves and get them in a room for five minutes...
Ever since breaking up with my high school auto mechanic boyfriend years ago, I never thought I'd find somewhere to take my car where I could trust the work they did and know I would be charged a reasonable price.
Problem solved.
3 weeks ago when my car shut off at a stop light and proceeded to not run correctly once starting back up, I brought my car to Matt and crew at FultonDesPlaines on a Thursday morning, no appointment needed. I recieved two phone calls from Matt that day updating me on the progress [turns out I needed a new crank sensor], and even when I showed up early to pick up my car [that very afternoon!], they got everything finished up and I was on my way.
Unfortunately for my car and wallet, I was back there the next afternoon when the problem persisted despite the new part. To help narrow down the issue, Matt instructed me to take my car to a Honda dealership for a diagnosis test to get a clear picture as to what was up with my car before we spent hundreds of dollars potentially fixing the wrong thing. Matt walked me through everything, and of course could do the job much cheaper than what the dealer quoted.
Overall, can't beat them. Matt and his staff are super helpful, and Matt is always friendly no matter how busy he is, remembers your name and takes awesome care of you. You can certainly tell the customer comes first here.
I am not generally too critical of services, restuarants, etc., and normally I would have let one bad experience pass, but seriously:
About a month ago, my car was making a weird noise and it made me nervous. Fulton Desplaines was on my way to class, so I dropped it off - the next day they told me the problem was an internal engine one, no possible way of knowing exactly what, and that the only way to fix it was by replacing the engine. They quoted $2500.
I and everyone I talked to felt this sounded extreme; so I got a second opinion... the actual problem was a faulty front engine mount. Solved -completely - for $126.
The garage has 5 stars so I am sure they do good work - I didn't feel like they were trying to take advantage of me - but just a fair warning based on my experience. I would have spent 2,000% more, and on major work that wasn't even necessary!
Comment from Mathew T. of
Fulton-Desplaines Garage and Service
10/28/2009
Catherine- I just read your review and have to say that I am…
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Friendly service, done in about 45 minutes, and no wait to get in with a reservation. It met my expectations. Fulton is A-OK, no complaints.
So I moved to the West Loop about a year ago and didn't know where to bring my car for service. I used to get the oil changed way out in suburbia where I used to work, but since my ass got laid off, I don't really feel the need to drive 30 miles for an oil change. So, what's an unemployed guy like me to do?
Fortunately, there's Yelp. I've always been concerned about getting ripped off in bringing my car to a new mechanic. And Yelp held my hand until I was brave enough to check out Matt.
I brought the car in for an oil change and also to repair the rear tail light after an unfortunate incident with the loading dock at my building (yea, let's just say I now highly, highly recommend washing your car when it's caked in winter salt before you back up in a dark alley up against a dark loading dock).
So, as I mentioned, I'm straight out of low-cash (circa Chris Rock in CB4) because of the aforementioned job loss. So we ordered the part through eBay and I brought it to Matt to install. He charged me for the 20 minutes of time it took him to install the light - he probably could have tried to overcharge me, but because he didn't, he has won my business and I have found my new neighborhood mechanic. I hope not to have anything wrong with my car and I hope to only have to bring my car in for oil changes, but at least I know I can trust these guys if something more serious needs to be looked at.
We used to live across the street from Fulton DesPlaines. Over the years we've brought our cars there for anything from an oil change to body work. We never have to worry about the work being overpriced, or parts being marked up. It is such a nice feeling to be able to to drop the car off, get it fixed and know that I don't have to second guess anything. Matt won't have you get any services that you don't need, even if it means less money for him.
Case in point - last week we dropped off our MDX and thought we were in for a new trans. Matt recommended that we swap out the fluid (which was burnt to a crisp!) change a sensor that was acting up and try that before dropping 2500 - 3000 (at least) on a new trans. I was prepared to get the new trans, but Matt told us to give it a shot. So instead of a new trans, we're in for about 400, and so far it looks good. And if the car ends up needing a new trans, we will be back to Matt and the guys at Fulton & Desplaines.
I have no idea how anyone could ever trash talk this place; everyone I know who has ever gone there completely trusts them, especially the honesty and integrity of Matt.
This place is wonderful! Wow, what a treat to be able to go take your car somewhere as a woman and not feel like you're being treated in a condescending or disrespectful way. The men here did a wonderful and extremely fast job providing a long-overdue oil change and fluid replacement, and were very trustworthy and polite in the entire process. A warning light was on my car, but they did not notice any problems, and instead of trying to sell me a service to fix it, they recommended I take it to the dealership to get it fixed if the problem persisted (which it didn't), as the car was still under warranty. Unbelievable that the service here cost less than a big box car shop for more personal and trustworthy service. I will definitely be taking my car here for other services in the future.
My car was making a noise and getting it fixed cost a lot of money. Not much you can do about a crappy situation, but Matt really went out of his way to help me out. He was honest, answered all my questions, and even took me to the garage to show me what exactly the problem was. He took the car on the highway multiple times to make sure the noise was gone. He also took almost $100 off the final cost when things turned out to be more expensive than I had expected. It's a busy place, but Matt makes sure you're taken care of.
A couple months ago I had a tune up at Fulton and Desplaines, which was fine. A week later my engine starts mis-firing! So I take it back, assuming it was bad plugs, so Matt swaps out all 8 plugs for free. As it turns out it wasn't the plugs at all, instead it was a faulty injector. Either way Matt stood behind his work and made sure that I was happy.
This is just one example of the many great experiences I've had here. I've been working with the guys at Fulton and Desplaines for a couple years and never felt like I was being lied to or ripped off. Although the gas could be about 10 cents cheaper :o)
Overall it's a great place and I would encourage everyone to get their car serviced here.
I am so relieved to have found a place I trust to take my car when repairs or maintenance are needed. Matt was honest and very helpful, and I felt completely comfortable leaving my car in his care. The price was pretty good too...I had my transmission and brake fluid changed for around $170. Extra props for changing, not flushing the fluid!!!
So I'm not a handy person and needed to:
1. install a front license plate holder so the Illinois popo's don't pull me over and give me a ticket and
2. replace my driver's side front head light so the Illinois popo's don't pull me over and give me a ticket
I even purchased all the supplies! I dropped my car off Monday morning and picked it up Monday after work. The service was great, fast, and efficient. I think I paid a little more than I wanted ($65), but at least they were nice fellas. And, the location is awesome - so close to my place and work.
ok..so I heard about this place through a friend and am not surprised of the 5 star rating. You get 5 star service as well. They are honest too, shocking I know:) Anyway, I think the guy's name is Matt...Matt hooked up my car to their computer...and you know what? They didn't charge me for it! The dealer wanted like $55 just to diagnose the issue. Boo on you Mr. Dealer, gonna be a life long customer here!!
Matt and his staff are awesome. If you despise, loathe and abhor spending your Saturday waiting in line at a Jiffy Lube, answering questions like "this is what your air filter looks like, do you want to replace it?" or "the recommended time to flush your coolant is 30,000 miles (your car has 20,000 miles) would you like to do that today?" to a bunch of 19 year old kids that have no vested interest in making the best decisions for you and your car then I have an answer for you...Fulton and Desplaines garage.
These guys are awesome. I started going to them about 2 years ago when I discovered a nail sticking out of my tire. Since this garage is near the loop you just drop it off, walk to work and pick it up before they close at 5:30. Then I started taking it there for regular oil changes. Frankly, I am thinking about getting my oil changed everyday; parking in my building is $38--getting my oil changed is $35. Hmmm...
Matt called me one time I had dropped off my car for an oil change to say my battery needed to be changed; he didn't think it would make it through the winter. I told him my dad and I were going to change it--little father-daughter bonding. He laughed and said that sounded like a good Saturday afternoon project. 3 months later I called back to schedule an oil change. He said, "How was your battery change bonding with your dad?" To which I had to reply that it didn't happen. Point of the story is that they remember their customers, treat the vehicles as if they were their own and are extremely accommodating and personable.
I'll never go to a Jiffy Lube again and neither should you. Don't forget to rub the garage pooch's belly. He likes that.
These guys are great. I took my car in the day before I was leaving town. they took the car in and fixed it at a great price. Best of all, it was done right. My car was making a noise so I took it to firestone before taking it to "The Garage" and firestone wanted to fix my brakes and all of this other stuff in order to fix the noise. When I took it to "The Garage" it turned out that it was not even the brakes that were making the noise. These guys will fix it right. At any other place that I have ever taken my car, I always leave feeling like I got ripped off but not here.
I also heard that they hooked up my friends Honda to the diagnostic computer without even charging him.
I recommend this place for sure.
I just took my car here for the first time and was very happy with the service. My friend from work suggested I go to Fulton Desplaines Garage and I am glad he did. Usually when I take my car into be looked at I feel like I am going to be ripped off because I do not know anything about cars.
All I needed was an oil change and a spare set of car keys made (when I got a key made at Ace Hardware it got stuck in the ignition- beware). I also asked them to look over my car to make sure everything was ok. They changed the oil, made me two sets of keys and looked over my car. I feel they are honest and do a great job- I will for sure be back!
I had only been doing maintenance on our car when we went back to Michigan for visits since I had a great garage there. Eventually, the fiance pointed out that the 300 mile commute wasn't all that efficient and I was forced to hunt for a local alternative.
We chose Fulton & Desplaines for the convenience, but we'll stay with them for the work. They do a great job with the estimate and keep in contact if anything changes. They have reasonable rates and do great work. It also offers a full service gas pump and free air for your tires.
Its great to take the car someplace that is independently and locally owned. Its always nice to know you are dealing directly with the owner.
**A bonus: As a chick, I have often experienced the condescending attitude many garages take with those in possession of a uterus- didn't get that here. Had explained what I needed explained without the 'tude. Reason enough to go there.**
Here is the breakdown:
Location: Near West/Fulton River District across the river from the loop.
Transportation: A block away from the Green/Pink line (Clinton Station) into the loop and really only a 10 minute walk from the loop.
Service: Great and quick.
My car broke down along the Ike and I had it towed to Fulton & Desplaines Garage and I am glad I did.
Matt and his team looked at my car right away in the morning and had it repaired and running again by 12:30. They are great to work with, honest reasonable and and do quality work. I will be a regular customer!
Hands down, the most honest mechanic in town. Their prices are reasonable too. Example, my check engine light came on a while ago, I took it to this one garage and they told me $88 just to hook up to the computer. I ended up taking it to these guys b/c it was near my office at the time. They hooked it up, found nothing wrong....and CHARGED ME NOTHING!!
I have since moved my office, but will continue going back to Matt and the crew there, they truly are one of a kind. I cannot say enough about these guys and their honesty.
I've used this garage twice, and was extremely satisfied both times. I feel that they are very honest, maybe a little more pricey for an oil change than say, Jiffy Lube... But I would rather pay a little more and know that I was being taken care of than feel like I was taken for a ride for random "repairs" that werent properly explained to me.
Very easy going guys; you feel calm just walking in there. And the dog is adorable.
Ok, I am biased... my best friend's husband owns this garage... but, they don't even know Yelp exists (they rarely even email!) so I think it is ok for me to write a review.
Family owned garage... father and son.
Most important, they are honest and fair... and not just to me, I have recommended them to a lot of people who didn't even remember to tell him they knew me, but later came back and told me what a great job they did.
Prices seem to be fair (I don't get any discounts as a friend).
They seem to do a great job, and always stand by their work. If someone isn't happy with something, they will keep working on it until it is fixed.
Oh, and who doesn't enjoy getting greeted by a big, beautiful dog named Jake?
Pretty good place they replaced my O2 sensor for $200 less than some other rip off place. I'll go there more often and see what they are all about and write more.
All the reviews are true. The Fulton & Desplaines garage is fantastic, kind, efficient, fast. I brought my car in for an oil change today and didn't get pressured to have any other work done on my car. When I asked when they could have the work done, they said "When would you like it?" I got a call when my car was done (exactly when they said it would be done). I came to get my car, paid the $35 for the oil change, petted the awesome dog, and was on my way. It was a painless. Thanks Fulton & Desplaines Garage!
(.....can't believe none of the other posts have mentioned this but.....)
Air. As in FREE AIR!
All the downtown bike messengers know this. Right on Fulton, there's the red hose and the sign saying AIR, all without a machine to put your quarters in.
So you don't think that alone's worth 5* rating? Good luck finding free air in like a 5 mile radius.
This place was going to charge me $90 to give me an estimate and to just look at the car. I think that's a lot of money to charge just to give an estimate. I went to another auto repair service in the neighborhood who was very helpful.
I highly recommend Matt at Fulton Des Plaines garage. He is competent, honest, reasonably priced and convenient to anyone who lives or works in downtown Chicago. A real find.
