Tahoe Automotive Service (Wheeling, IL) Mechanic(s): Scott Kendall
1798 W Hintz Road , Wheeling, IL 60090 (847) 394-3030
Features and Specialties:

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Survey results:

They are always honest
They are competent
The repair price is always reasonable
They fix the problem the first time
They complete the work in a timely manner
They respond well when they screw something up
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood
The hours of operation are convenient for customers
They treat male and female customers in the same manner
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed)

Reviewers Comments:

Insisted I did NOT need a brak job, despite my protestations that my 1997 Maxima with 40,000 miles needed a brake job. Also, very trustworthy, no hidden charges, very reasonable. Great honest guys!

Scott Kendall is the kind of mechanic you want! Thanks to you all for the recommendation! I happened to Google for Tahoe automotive and found two great articles he wrote for trade magazines. (Try it!) The articles tell how he has done troubleshooting of electrical and emissions problems. Read and you'll want the guy to work on YOUR car. We brought in a 97 Sable with the battery light on the dash coming on intermittently. He drove the car quite a bit but couldn't get the light to come on again. He said to bring it in again as soon as it shows. Seeing in articles how he can diagnose computer problems I asked him to look at the troubleshooting the reason the ABS light is on on my 97 Mustang GT. I have long ago given up on having the ABS working. Unfortunately, his computer software couldn't talk to the Mustang. His rates are very reasonable. We ended up paying only $25 each for oil changes!

Scott fixed a leaky oil valve gasket for about half what another local small chain shop wanted. The other shop wanted to replace some other parts, but Scott just wiped the wires clean of excess oil, charged me for the gasket and labor, not the new wires. The car has been running fine ever since. I also brought the car in for an exhaust headpipe. I assume the part is fairly expensive yet easy to install because his price was the same as the shop that took care of my rear exhaust system a year ago, and I am convinced his labor rate is less than theirs.

Tahoe Automotive specializes in IM240 emissions work. They have the highest over all Repair effectiveness rating of any auto repair shop in the state of Illinois by the Illinois EPA, since the inception of the program(Proof available in the Repair effectiveness booklets published by IEPA). They are proficient in all types of engine performance and drivability problems. A second speciality is their ability to repair any air conditioning problem from freon leaks to major repairs including climate control. Tahoe also does all other repairs except transmission and front end alignment. Scott Kendall is an ASE certified Master Auto Tech and is L1 Advanced Engine Performance certified, with 30 years of hands on experience. All repairs carry at least a 6 month warranty. The shop is also a NAPA Auto Care Dealer offering a nation wide warranty.

When I would turn my car to the left one of the back wheels would make a rythmic whup whup whup sound. Afte talking to some friends, most believed that the wheel bearings were shot. Granted you don't know without looking, but I thought I was doomed. I had also figured that at 65K miles the rear brakes were about ready to go. I dropped the car off and called the next morning, the first news I got was that the brakes were fine and the wheel bearings were OK, but he didn't know what the noise was. I said that was OK if he can't find it he can't find it. He asked if he could keep it for another couple of hours because it was bugging him that he couldn't figure it out. I didn't care, I already dodged the $$$ bullet so I siad go ahead. I think he had the car for a total of four hours and he finally found out what it was, a plate or something had become bent so he straightened it and the noise went away. My best guess is that he charged me for what I would expect to pay for 1 hour of labor. Granted he didn't have to do too much to fix the problem, but it took a lot to find it, and since he did fix something that was causing me to take 3 right turns for every left I wanted to take I would have gladly paid more. I've found my new mechanic.

They are trustworthy, and I bring all my work to them. I have known them for 40 years.

They are very knowledgeable and will work on any problem, big or small on old or new vehicles.

Late in 2009 The Chicago Sun-Times "The Fixer" column asked for names of outstanding business people. I responded recommending Scott Kendall or Tahoe Automotive. As a result, he received some extra business and thanked me, also offering to pay for my next oil change or repair. I no longer live in Wheeling, but have maintained friendships with some of my neighbors. One of them had been hit very hard by the recession and had a car that wasn't operational. I requested of Scott that if this neighbor came in, I would appreciate it if he would work on her car. In mid-August of 2010, this neighbor did bring in the car. Scott not only did an oil change, but he also did a brake job and replaced wheel bearings. He would not accept any payment from this extremely grateful person. He is an amazing, person with a huge heart. He is the most honest mechanic I've ever encountered. He never overcharges, and if something isn't repaired correctly, a very rare happening, he will always fix it.

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