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Thom's Four Wheel Drive
Category: Automotive Auto Repair Auto Repair [Edit]
4118 N Pulaski RoadChicago, IL 60641
Neighborhood: Irving Park
(773) 577-5701
- Nearest Transit:
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Irving Park-Blue (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 5:30 pm
26 reviews for Thom's Four Wheel Drive
26 reviews in English
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Review from David C.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012
I took my 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee into Thom's for maintenance for the 1st time last month. Got a diesel fuel filter replaced, tires rotated, and doors lubricated.
Pros: Clean shop, friendly, professional staff. Complimentary car-wash. No grease stains left behind on the interior from the tech's dirty hands/clothing. 10% discount for 1st time visit. Less expensive than dealer. Got a follow-up phone call to make sure I was satisfied. Also got a thank you note with a coupon to give a friend to refer for them for service. They didn't attempt to upsell me anything. $30 for tire rotation is fair price.
Cons: Wasn't quoted a price up front. I could have asked, so I'm partially to blame. The price was higher than I was expecting. But, I rationalize that it's worth it to pay a little more for their expertise on four wheel drive and quality work. -
Review from Eric K.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012
Top reasons to avoid Thom's Four Wheel Drive.
1. They always find a list of things that need to be done to your car regardless of if it needs it or not.
2. If they fix or replace something and it goes wrong - they take no responsibility.
3. They quote different prices on the phone than they do once they complete the work.
4. They charge higher prices for normal maintenance than most places.
5. They don't care about losing business or customers leaving.
Bottom line - they know a lot about cars and do some good work but they are total ripoff on pricing and always trying to upsell you. STAY AWAY! -
Review from Iman J.
Chicago, IL
11/11/2011
Picking the right mechanic for my car isn't an easy thing for me as I've grown up around cars and not in your typical fashion either. Since I was a kid my dad has owned multiple car dealerships around Chicago and I was there every step of the way with him. Recently he closed his car dealer and my Jeep developed a crazy problem called the "death wobble", sounds way worse than it really is.
I first took it to my go-to mechanic, he changed a few parts, but knew the "death wobble" wasn't an easy thing to diagnose/repair so he said try it now and see how it is. Unfortunately the problem wasn't fixed and I started researching Jeep friendly shops around Chicago that might encounter this problem often.
I called Thom's and immediately they knew what problem I was experiencing and set me up with a time to bring the Jeep by. I ended up taking it in and they were all super nice, set me up with a rental car and had me on my way. I left hopeful that they could figure out the problem and fix it fairly quickly, but at the same time I was worried that great customer service is one thing, a great mechanic is what's really needed.
A couple days later the Jeep was done, they said they had road tested it and didn't experience the wobble anymore and it was ready for pickup. I can gladly say the problem is gone and I had a great experience with Thom's. -
Review from Burgundy I.
Washington D.C., DC
3/16/2011
So I went to Thom because my brake lights were out and everyone on Yelp had super awesome experiences. I have to say, Thom's crew did a good up job diagnosing and fixing my burnt out brake lights for $20. I actually stripped the screws trying to check them myself so it was probably a bit harder than it sounds.
The crappy part was when they told me that I needed to change 3 engine belts due to excessive cracking (~$200) and all my radiator hoses, thermostat, and cooling fluid (~$400). Well, I just had my timing belt changed by Maggio's in the fall so I knew that my cooling system was good. I also had all my belts and fluids changed for the 90k mile check 3 years ago in California but maybe the Chicago winters are a bit harsher on belts. So just for comparisons sake, I called up Andy at Maggio's and he took a quick look and showed me that nothing was wrong with my engine belts (no cracks seen) or hoses (no leaks or cracks either).
Maybe it was a mix up but this seems a tad shady for such a reputable shop.
On the plus side, Thom's staff was extremely polite and even called the following day to make sure everything was ok. -
Review from Martin A.
Chicago, IL
9/3/2011
I have mixed feelings about these guys. On the one hand, they've been quick to talk me out of expensive and unnecessary upgrades to my Jeep Cherokee. Time and time again, they always used the same format when explaining service;
(1) Critical repairs - items that they recommend you do right away either because it would be unwise/unsafe to not do them, or failure to repair the issue right away could lead to worse problems.
(2) Semi-Important - items that do NOT need to be fixed now, but you should plan to have them repaired or fixed within 6 to 9 months.
(3) Discretionary - Things that are not needed and are simply are upgrades to performance and looks.
This format has served them well and I appreciated their honesty.
Here's the rub though.
A few months ago I took my Jeep in for some simple repairs, a swap of passenger side mirror. The end price was over $800, if I recall correctly.
They said that while in the process of switching the side mirror, one of the wires short-circuited and they had to take the front dash apart to find the broken wire and replace some other parts.
I'm not saying that they lied, but how do you charge $800 bucks for a simple mirror swap?
Given their past dealings with me, I have mixed feelings about going back. They've been great in the past, but after the last incident, I have my reservations. Also, I asked them to look at my brakes, and now they squeak worse than when I took them in.
I may use Ashland Auto Tire going forward.
If it wasn't for the last incident, I would've rated them as a five star shop.Comment from Thomas P. of Thom's Four Wheel Drive 11/7/2011
Martin I want to thank you for the good review of your last… More » -
Review from Casey C.
Chicago, IL
6/10/2011
Thoms did a great job installing new shocks and struts for me. Even when there was an issue, they took the vehicle back in and fixed it at no charge. I took my truck back in for new breaks and I'm very happy with the results.
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Review from Ken M.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2007
OK Normally I go into a mechanic and end up feeling raped due to my lack of knowledge about autos, parts and how much they cost to fix. I'm one of the owners of Weird Chicago Tours and our bus needed some work. Now keep in mind our bus "IS" our livelihood.
If you say the word "bus" to any mechanic they normally smile and get $$ in their eyes, usually jacking up the price 300%. Thom (the owner) and Tom (the manager) not only took time explaining everything to me in detail about what was wrong with our bus "Special Edna" but they went the extra mile by supplying us with parts and labor after they couldn't first solve the problem. Eventually after only 2 short days they solved the dillemna exorcising the Demons from our beloved bus. They then prioritized and gave estimates for the other issues we had with our vehicle and worked within our budget and frantic time schedule!
I will be bringing all my vehicles here from now on and advising all my friends and customers to do so also. They are honest, fast and charge a decent price. Plus they're so nice my partner Adam swears they must be elves and not mechanics at all.
Thom also wrote a book on how to buy a good used car, I don't know the title but will buy one next time I go in for the next service we need done. Thom also gave me great advice on business that had nothing to do with my vehicle, he did it just to help out another small business owner.
Thom offers a ladies car clinic that will explain to ladies who may not know too much about cars what, how and why you need to do stuff to your vehicle.
5 stars!
Ken -
Review from Tanja L.
Chicago, IL
5/29/2011
Thom's rocks! Why did it take so long to find this automotive repair oasis. Their professional and services exceeds my expectations with every visit. Thom's is keeping my 11 year old VW in tiptop shape.
My last visit I had a $15 off coupon. They called me the next day to alert me they forgot to apply the credit to my final bill and to call back to make the adjustment on my credit card. It is great to know that customer service and honesty still exist. -
Review from Lisa B.
New York, NY
5/16/2009
Thom's Four-Wheel Drive diagnosed my problem as a $3 part and saved me from a $2300 repair!
After receiving an exorbitantly high and suspicious quote from another mechanic (see my review for Eliot's) for my car's recent overheating issue, I took my car in to Thom's and it could not have been a more 5-star experience from start to finish. I first called Thom for a second opinion and he was more helpful on the phone than the previous mechanic had been in-person. He made me feel 100% comfortable from the first time I talked to him so I brought my car in for the complete second-opinion evaluation. The diagnosis: a $3 radiator fuse replacement when the previous mechanic had wanted to crack my engine open and replace my head gasket and engine head. Thom's saved me from unnecessary repairs and did it with class and expediency.
In addition, I brought my car back to Thom's right before leaving for a cross-country roadtrip when the rims installed by the previous owner starting causing problems for my little Civic's wheel wells due to my overloaded car. This was late on Friday afternoon and Thom's shop was closing but he stayed with me anyway for at least an hour and set me up with one of his mechanics who agreed to do the work I needed the very next morning - a Saturday - so I could hit the road and not lose much time. He even recommended a mechanic in Phoenix, AZ where I was moving. Incredible.
Thom's really went above and beyond the call of duty for me and I cannot recommend this shop highly enough! Any car repair shop with all 5-star reviews on Yelp is rare - you can take that as a sign of this shop's superior quality and service. Anyone looking for a knowledgeable, skilled and HONEST mechanic would be wise to go to Thom's Four-Wheel Drive. -
Review from peter s.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2011
After reading the reviews on Yelp, I decided to give Thom's a try after the dealership gave me what seemed like an exorbitant estimate. I also scheduled an oil change for convenience's sake. He told me that an oil change cost between $40 and $48, which is more than I like to pay, but time is valuable too.
I have to say Thom's is making me rethink taking my car to the dealership. I got an outrageous quote from Thom's that was nearly double what the dealership had quoted. I declined service, but went ahead with the oil change. They told me I needed a new air filter for $35 so I said go ahead and put it in. The oil change and air filter cost me $93. Apparently, they charge you $11 and change to dispose of the oil on top of the quoted cost. Most places I've been to have that built in. A standard oil change at Thom's is nearly $60, but they tell you it's $48.
The whole experience left a bad tast in my mouth. I guess I owe my dealership an apology. I thought their prices were high, but apparently they're a bargain. Same with Jiffy Lube, whose upselling is often annoying. I've never drove out of a Jiffy Lube owing $93 for an oil change and air filter. -
Review from Nathan H.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2010
Thom's is now my go to place for all my repairs. After getting screwed by my dealership for too long, I used yelp to find Thom's, and am so glad I did. Reasonable labor costs, upfront information, and the best part us that no matter who answers the phone they can tell you the status of your car without sending you to four different people. It's a bit of a hike for me, but with what I save in money and peace of mind, it's worth it. Most recently, I had a problem with my starter, and instead of telling me to bring it in right away, they put me on conference while a few mechanics made recommendations on how to fix it myself. After I couldn't, I had it towed there and ready the same day, and one guy even stayed past business hours as I was running late. No question, go here, and stop your searching.
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Review from Lori G.
Chicago, IL
12/8/2010
I am so happy I found Thom's! Had a problem with my VW and had to get it towed over to Thom's on a Wed afternoon. I had called and explain the problem I was having. I was told that they were booked and wouldn't be able to look at my car til Friday. I have another car for transportation, so I told them that's not a probelm. Thursday morning I receive a phone call that they got to look at my car first thing Thursday morning, diagnosed my problem and gave me a quote. The best part is the quote I received was $400 less than what my friend's mechanic shop would have done my work for. This place is awesome! Oh, and my VW was done by Friday morning. Great service!! I refer everyone here!
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Review from Sarah R.
Chicago, IL
9/16/2008
I can't remember how I found Thom's, but I'm glad I did. When I moved to Chicago I was having problems with my eleven-year old VW. I took it to a few places for a look-see and the estimates were unbelievable. One place, a foreign car "specialist," even told me that I practically needed the entire engine replaced to fix this one little problem. I was ready to send my car to the junk yard. Finally I went to Thom's and they said, "Oh, it's just a broken [valve thingy]-- here, we'll snap on a new one and you're good to go." I was flabbergasted. Since that time, I have brought the old VW, as well as my newer Honda, in for tune-ups and belt-replacing and all manner of little ticks. Car repair is never a pleasant experience because of the cost, but knowing that these guys are honest makes a world of difference. I would never take my cars anywhere else. Love Thom's!!
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Review from Brigette S.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2008
Highly recommended, especially if you have a Jeep, SUV, or older all terrain sort of vehicle. Not all mechanics understand all cars. But Thom and his workers certainly do! Friendliest garage owner I've EVER MET. He knows every customer by name, their cars, and you get the feeling he know all their families too. Even though I came in without an appointment on a holiday weekend, I got my tire fixed ASAP. Prices are fair and he takes the time to explain all costs and charges to each customer up front. I almost wish there was something wrong with my Jeep so I could go visit them again. Thom really understands customer service! And his mechanics really understand Jeeps. So pleased to have found this place!
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Review from Sean R.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2009
I guess I'll be the first one to cast a strident note here.
In addition to being a 4-wheel drive specialist, this shop is also reputed to be one of the best independent Volkswagen repair shops in the city. So when Thom told me it was time to change the timing belt in my car, I was a bit dismayed because, well, my car does not have a timing belt, it has a chain. It's a mistake that could be forgiven of a general fix-it shop that wouldn't necessarily know off the top of their heads whether it has a chain or a belt. But for a shop that supposedly specializes in Volkswagens, this evinces incompetence at best and deception at worst.
Combine this with the fact that I took my car in once because it was pulling to the one side and he charged me some $400 to replace a faulty part and yet the car still pulls to that side, and I'm just not comfortable taking my car here any more. -
Review from iain w.
Chicago, IL
12/26/2007
I haven't acually taken a car to them yet, but called today and asked about a potential problem with my ageing Jeep. After asking loads of questions about the car's age, mileage and use, I was told, "they all do that sir." If you call a garage and they don't try to book you but take the time to sort the problem over the phone (it turned out that this was something I could do myself - tom even took the time to tell me how), THAT'S the garage you should take your vehicle to. I'll definately use them in the future.
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Review from Andrew T.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2009
I had a wonderful experience with Thom's whom I used for a pre-purchase inspection on more than one vehicle, specifically Jeep Cherokees. He not only diagnosed the common Jeep issues but also other specific to the car issues. I feel like they are an honest shop and would happily bring my car to them in the future.
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Review from Sean H.
Chicago, IL
4/8/2010
Honest and fair. They aren't giving anything away but they're good and honest. I would return my truck without a doubt for ALL service.
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Review from K M.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2008
So that explains why I saw a Haunted Chicago book in their office....
I'm sold on this place and Thom as a business man. I had quotes from the dealer and other locations on what it would cost and mean to repair my broken window track. I found Thom's thru craigslist just by chance, found they had a coupon on Google, and called and spoke with Thom. I told him the problem, he was a pleasure and explained the time and cost at an appropriate level. By that I mean, he didn't sound pissed at having to explain something that I'd just never understand, and he didn't try and make it sound like it would be a life saving operation where I'd be paying for a repair with my life savings. Appreciated. I called back after thinking about it for 10 minutes, brought my car in yesterday, picked it up, with coupon it cost $25 less than all other offers. He also showed me the part that was broken and showed me how it broke. That has never ever happened in all my years of car repair. I suggest everyone go here with their car issues, you'll be pleasantly surprised that they treat you so well. -
Review from Tim H.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2010
Truly one of the best shops in the City! I have been to Thom's a couple of times most recent was for them to fix an issue with my Jeep that another shop misdiagnosed. They found the problem and fixed it quickly and cheaply. They also have great friendly customer service. Thom himself is also very knowledgeable and was happy to speak to me and listen to my problem. I highly recommend.
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Review from Paul M.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2011
This business is one of the reasons I value the Yelp community so much. I've hopped around mechanics for as long as I've owned cars. But with Thom's, that's stopped. Always very fair, very friendly, informative, and the follow-up is great. Also, if you're a repeat customer, you get lots of deals and incentives that'll help you save money. Very highly and enthusiastically recommended.
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Review from Elena G.
Chicago, IL
6/30/2010
These guys are great. Thom, the owner, even drove me to my office after dropping off my car. Their staff is friendly and the rewards program really saves you money.
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Review from Angela D.
Chicago, IL
6/21/2009
Volkswagens are, in a word, special. You can't just take them to any mechanic and hope for the best--you need someone who knows them and their idiosyncrasies.
Luckily, Thom knows Volkswagens!
I've visited Thom a few times since I moved to Chicago last year with my 1998 Jetta GLS, both for routine maintenance and the occasional emergency, and he has always treated me fairly and done great work on my car. Once I dropped in unexpectedly on a snowy December evening with a blown engine hose that he cheerfully repaired on the spot. One particular job must have been a nightmare--I was trying to change a flat tire and the key for the locking wheel bolt snapped off INSIDE THE LOCK ITSELF, making the wheel impossible to remove! I had my poor Jetta towed to Thom and he spent a few days not only carving out the offending bolt but removing and replacing the other 3--and charged me only for the new bolts and an hour of labor. There have been times when he could have easily talked me into more expensive repairs and I wouldn't have been the wiser, thus earning my trust.
As for the reviewer who says that the repairs on his car weren't effective, I have to ask: Did you tell Thom about it? He is definitely someone who stands by his work.
Also, I love the monthly newsletter Thom sends out and the rewards program that earns you credit based on the money you spend there. It's a nice touch!
If you have a "special" Volkswagen like mine, I would definitely recommend Thom's services. -
Review from tina h.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2009
I have been driving VW Cabriolets & Cabrio's for 15 years- I adore them but its hard to find someone who can work on them well...
Thom's are my newest heroes! I was searching Yelp for someone that could take care of my 2000 VW Cabrio- not an easy find. Thom's had so many great reviews & were close by so when my muffler decided to fall off in I went...
I knew it was fate when Greg was behind the counter!- Greg had managed the old repair shop we went to 5 years ago, before they were sold, and had always given great service at fair prices.
Greg gave me a couple of choices of repairs, at different price points, which was great because I could get what I could afford (which was the cheaper alternative) but Greg assured me that the less expensive option would still be quality.
They fixed my muffler and brake light, gave me some estimates for work I wanted to do in the future (when I had more $) and cleaned & shined my baby up proud! It was so quiet when I started her up I thought she didn't start!
They also have an in-house discount program which I've never seen at an auto repair shop before- and very handy for someone who drives a 'vintage' (old ;) car.
I spoke to several of the staff both times I was there, and each person was friendly-even if they were just passing thru the office.
I am SO happy to have re-found Greg & found Thom's!!!! -
Review from Tracy F.
Chicago, IL
4/8/2010
I neded to have my 35K tune up on my 2005 Honda CRV and the dealer I bought from quoted me over $1,000. Are you kidding me? I took it to Thom's and not only did they do the same job for less than half but they gave me a discount card for my next visit. I am now a big fan of Thom's.
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Review from Lisa C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/7/2010
Hate to update my good review with some harsh words, but Thom's let me down with my most recent service visit. The problem started with overbooking. I waited several days for an appointment, then waited another day for them to even begin working on the vehicle. Then my already-late car wasn't ready when promised, causing all kinds of stress and schedule rearrangement as I remained without transportation for work, picking up kids from school, etc. He did give me a small discount, but that, on a gigantic repair bill right before Christmas did little to soften the blow. Don't take on more work than you can handle, guys. Especially at the expense of loyal customers!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/16/2008
I have had my Jeep serviced at Thom's for nearly two years and cannot say enough good things about… Read more »
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