C & H Auto Service Inc

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Whenever I see ratings that are completely out of whack with my own experience, I think to myself, "Maybe it's the customer who is the problem". Regarding the one-star review from the BMW owner, my tip-off is "$70 part for $600", focusing on the price of the part versus the total bill. It's not unheard of that a $70 part takes time to install. Moreover, the gentleman I worked with who runs this place is not someone who would pull a fast one. There must have been a communication problem there. Or, the owner maybe is not a "car guy" and something was lost in translation. I wonder...ANYWAY....I did a very bad thing. In January 2013, I bought a 2001 Mercedes E320 4MATIC almost sight unseen. Drove it around the block. Made an offer. Bad idea. Great body. Great interior. Engine fine. Suspension...not so much. I went to an independent mechanic downtown, which was fine. They did a nice job doing an inspection I should have done BEFORE I bought it. They put axle assemblies on the front, a power steering hose, and put together a list of other items. Though 80% of the transaction was great, one or two small things had me at least shopping for a second opinion. I went to http://benzworld.org and checked their forums for Chicago mechanics. Several folks recommended Carlos and C&H. So, I figured it was worth a second opinion. Can't say enough good things about working with Carlos. If you own an older Mercedes, then he's your guy. He owns three vintage MB's himself (and a 1965 Mustang). I know he does other cars.I let him do a load of work. I am very pleased. It is almost like having your own on-staff mechanic. The shop is small. He talks to you. Discusses options. He hand wrote out the codes the car threw off. Attention to detail.He's very mild-mannered. I thought the conversations went great. Everything was couched in probabilities from "in the worst case" to "this is a safety issue". His hourly rate is very fair. And, he doesn't charge for every minute. Not nearly. I was back in this morning asking about something and he spent an hour with me debugging. (For car people: Carlos - I think - prefers parts from the dealer. But, he worked with me this morning. I'm going to shop on-line for a part I think I can get for half the dealer rate. I told him, "I'd rather give the money to you!")IF you need an independent mechanic. IF you are someone who wants to "keep them running". IF working with a small shop works for you. Then, I think you should give Carlos a try. If you are anxious, then start with a small job Tell a story. Be specific. Offer suggestions.

Carlos Herrera is a genius automobile mechanic. C & H is the world's best restoration and auto repair shop anywhere. For well over 30 years I've trusted my 71 250 C Mercedes to C&H; more recently my 2001 SL500 Mercedes has received excellent C&H care. Both cars are praised and complemented by numerous strangers for the beauty of their appearance, especially the 41 year old 71. Both perform flawlessly. Carlos is more than a genius mechanic. He is an artist who takes pride in his workmanship. Moreover, he is honest, reliable, and diligent, a truly decent and trustworthy gentleman. His prices are reasonable, fair, and competitive. It was a lucky day for me and my cars when I first met Carlos over 30 years ago. Thank you Carlos; please don't retire!

I refuse to waste money. Thats why I keep my cars for a long time and in great shape.I have been taking my cars to Carlos for over ten years now. It was a most appreciated reccomendation and I feel it my obligation to do the same. Take your cars to Carlos. You'll discover he excels throughout the entire spectrum of auto care and customer relations.

I find Carlos to be a very honest and competent Mercedes mechanic.I use him exclusivelyfor my Mercedes SL. He is very people oriented and takes the time to diagnose and repair autos correctly. I highly recommend Carlos and C & H Auto.

I have used Carlos several times over the last few years for both repairs and required service on my Mercedes E500 and Toyota 4Runner. His work is always impeccable, and he is very considerate of your time. I highly recommend Carlos.

With 30 years of expierence Carlos will diagnos and evaluate what needs to be repaired. Give you an honest appraisal for the repair and time it will take to perform the work to be done