Norm's Automotive Clinic Inc
31 reviews
Neighborhood: North Center
"Eliot is genuinely nice and honest. When my window got smashed out he couldn't squeeze me in but refereed me to a glass guy that was…" read more »
14 Reviews for Norm's Automotive Clinic Inc
As a newbie to Chicago (I moved here a little over a year ago), I had no idea who I should take my car to for routine maintenance. BTW, before I moved here, I used this mom and pop mechanic for years, since I got burnt so many times by the bigger chains. I decided to check out one of the dealerships, since afterall, they should know my car. Plus, I wanted to see what they had to say. After they checked my car, I was given a laundry list of items that needed to be fixed/replaced. Although some of them were correct, I was skeptical about the other items. Then I found Norm's on Yelp. Initially I was hesistant to take my car there, mainly due to distance. From where I live, I have to take both the Red line and the bus, which costs me 45 minutes each way.
But guess what, after my first experience, I will continue to use Norm's. I took my car there for him to change my transmission fluid. In addition, I specifically asked him to see if brake fluid and power steering fluid need to be replaced. Also, I asked him to take a quick look and see what other problem areas the car might have. I got a call from him a few hours later, and he told me that aside from transmission fluid, nothing else needed to be taken care of urgently. In addition, his price was about half of what the dealership quoted me.
In looking for a mechanic, there are three things that are important to me: honesty, quality, and price. Norm's exceeded my expectation in all three areas.
I have made three visits to Norm's: twice for our first car and once with our other. I will absolutely go back to Norm's for future car maintenance.
With all visits, I had specific issues plus some things I wanted checked. The specific issues, which had varying degrees of complexity, were all fixed. For a few of the fixes, they twice offered economical options using used parts, which can save hundreds of bucks. I also asked to have the rear brakes checked because they were squeaking a little--they said that the brakes still had life so they just cleaned them up. I saved money and no more squeaking. Very satisfying.
Norm is a straight talker and I generally feel like I'm getting the straight story, no more, no less. His brother Joe works at the shop too and is also a friendly fellow. I would have thought these were the Magliozzi brothers from CarTalk, except they are definitely not Italian.
While they don't have a conventional reception area, go in the door and stick your head in the back. Norm (or someone) will be with you as soon as they wipe the grease off their hands.
Norm's is awesome.
Not only are they reasonably priced, but I now have a mechanic who is trustworthy AND fast (and only 1.5 miles away from my apartment)! Being female and not terribly knowledgeable about cars, I'm often a little wary of mechanics, but I can't tell you how happy I am to have found these guys.
I brought my car in on Friday at noon with a litany of issues (one other Yelper noted that the shop seemed a little confused when he dropped off his car--I had the same experience, so just walk in and say that you're hoping to get your car looked at and they'll direct you to the right person). Norm and his crew checked everything, and Norm himself called me a couple of times throughout the day to give me price estimates and explain to me what they were doing. (His estimate for fixing the lock on my door was less than the locksmith wanted to charge, and they actually discovered that a little grease was all my hood latch needed, and didn't charge me for it.) At 6pm, he called to say that my car was done and he would wait after closing if I wanted to pick it up immediately, which I did. He showed me what they'd fixed and explained some things to me, and then gave me the bill--which was LESS than the estimate!
Norm rocks. I'm not taking my car anywhere else.
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My father-in-law found this place about 5 years ago and we've been going ever since. The folks at Norm's are absolutely trustworthy. I've never felt ripped off. They explain exactly what they're going to do and there haven't been any questionable charges. What's more, they tell you what they can't do and refer you out. Their referrals have been golden.
Afer seeing a recommendation for Norm's on LiveJournal, then reading the reviews on here, I decided to give them a try. I'd never taken my car to a mechanic before, so I was looking for someone honest and straight forward; it is an added bonus that the shop is about a mile from where I live.
I took my car in and Norm diagnosed the problem and did what he could to fix it for right now. It will need a bit more work, and work that will be a much more costly, but I trust that it won't be more expensive (or much more) than what he quoted me, because what I was charged for the work he has already done was right around his estimate. Speaking of costs, it really didn't seem unreasonable; as mentioned I've never been to a mechanic, but of course there are all kinds of horror stories about them.
When he asked me where I heard of them and I told him Yelp, he seemed pleased, saying he's gotten a lot of people telling him they heard about him here. Keep it up, Yelpers!
After years of dealing with "say anything to up-charge the repair" kind of repair shops, I must say that this place seems to be honest. I took my car in to fix a "rattle in the front". After researching my vehicle, I knew exactly what needed to be fixed - pretty easy repair with inexpensive parts. When I took it in and told the mechanic what I thought it was, I got the "we won't really know until we look at it" response. I thought then, ok, we'll see how they handle it. This was easily a situation where they could have said that any number of things could be wrong. A lot of those very expensive to fix. In the end they did the right thing, fixed it the same day and charged a reasonable fee.
Honest repair shops are hard to find. I'll be going back.
Another note: When I was dropping off my car and talking to the guy in the front office, I noticed an older woman sitting there in a house dress. Who wears those anymore? Anyway, she must have sensed that I was a little weary because she said to me as I was leaving, "These guys are very good. I've been coming here for years and I'm still using them even though I live in the suburbs!"
I'm sold.
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I've been taking my 1990 Blazer to Norm's place for about 5 or 6 years. They really care about their clients. As a woman, I have gotten a bunch of bullshit everywhere else I've gone. Not to mention all the doom and gloom on the poor condition of my car and how much work I'm going to need and how much it's going to cost. I've had to coordinate my going to a mechanic with my brother's schedule (a novice mechanic) so that he could come with me so I wouldn't get taken for ride!
My best friend told me about Norm's and I will never go anyplace else!
They said my truck was in great condition (only 60 thousand miles). Just needed upkeep...the usual.
There prices are always fair, sometimes they'll just "throw something in" or "adjust something" at no charge cuz it wasn't that big of a deal. I just got home from them, yet again, my driver's side door would not shut. The latch was rusted ro something...I dunno. Joe said "bring it in". In less than 10 min he said "okay! you can go!" I said how much do I owe you? He waved his hand at me as if swatting away at a fly and said "no charge...buckle up!".
I LOVE these guys. They are honest and fair and caring. I believe that is why their business is so good! I thought about bringing them donuts, the last time I did they said "Oh, why did you do that?! We're all trying to watch our figure here!"
Maybe a veggie plate next time!! I understand boys...I understand.
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He recharged the A/C on my Jeep, applied a dye (to detect leaks), and explained what was going on to me in layman's terms. His diagnosis was spot on for a few other problems as well.
If I had the equipment to extract and refill my own air conditioning refrigerant, I would have done so myself. City life prevents me from performing my own car maintenance. I would not hesitate to again let Norm and his staff work on it again.
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Norm's great service nearly rendered me speechless. I visited him based on his flawless Yelp rating and was not disappointed. Every time I spoke with the garage, it was Norm himself on the phone. He's a very personable guy who seems happy to be doing business with his customers. My car was dropped off after closing time and by 8:30 A.M. THE NEXT DAY (!!!) he had my problem diagnosed. Incredible! I had a relatively basic repair and my car was ready in just a few hours. I was able to pick my car up after closing time, too. Norm was incredibly accommodating in regard to receiving my payment. Norm's demeanor and the ease of dropping of/picking up my vehicle ensures that I will visit him again if I or my wife ever need another car repair. I unhesitatingly recommend Norm's to anyone who can make it to his part of town. One of the best, if not the best, auto garages I've ever been to.
UPDATE: This is not enough to make me change my rating, but it might affect your opinion. The second time I went to Norm's, I went in to the shop in person rather than dropping my car off at night and handling the transaction over the phone. Doing it this way was pretty confusing and complicated. No one seemed to know what to do with me when I walked in--everyone I talked to seemed confused by my arrival, presence, and communication. Maybe they're just not used to walk-ins. Still, Norm's will continue to be my #1 auto shop.
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It isn't very often that I take the time to write a review, despite my reliance on other reviews which other considerate and informative people take the time to post. Well, every so often, I feel compelled to do so. This is the case with Norm's Auto Clinic on Lincoln Ave., in Chicago. I was recommended to this mechanic by a friend who's family has been going to Norm's for the longest. The place was described to me as as an honest, 'old school place' yet with all the modern technology and know-how to get any job done. At first, I admit that I was a tad bit reluctant to deviate from the typical dealership service. Well, the friend that made the recommendation just became a better friend. I was totally impressed by the thoroughness and efficiency by which my vehicle was serviced. Norm explained, in detail, the work that needed to be done, as well as work that wasn't so pressing that it needed to be taken care of immediately. Norm has the type of charm / personality that makes you wish you had him as a neighbor. I was extremely pleased with the price and even more pleased with the results. My car has been a dream ever since. This mechanic and his crew has an incredible reputation in the area - which I've just learned about - and recommend this place wholeheartedly.
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I have been going to Norm and Joe (who remind me a little of the Car Talk guys) for about 15 years now. They are solely responsiable for my 14 year old Tempo still going, and, when I purchased it 12 years ago used, they gave it the once over for me without charge. They, and their staff are honest and fair. You could not ask for anything more.
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Norm and Joe and Joe and the others are always kind, professional, no bullshit and great prices. I cried once there havin a beer waiting for him to reduce my bill and he was able to shop around for parts and took off most labor charges in order to accomodate my diminished budget that week. These guys are accomodating, caring, kind, smart, and no-nonsense. Try goin to any other shop at 6pm just to get your headlights aimed. Doubt they'll do it like these boys will!
Recently I was going to leave my new 98 Altima there over the weekend for them to look at Monday, but when I got there at 4:45 Joe and Joe popped it up on the rack right away to give it a once over.
When coming in late, bring a sixer of Heinies. They'll do just bout anything for ya after that!
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Norm actually came out to the house to evaluate work for a car my husband is restoring- try finding another automotive place that will do that for you without charging an outrageous fee. The guys seem honest, friendly, and straightfoward, which is hard to find these days.
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Good honest mechanics. Fair prices. Don't need to say much more than that.
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