Four Star Auto Service

3324 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA

Address:	3324 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
Phone:	+1 612-504-5222
Site:	minneapolisvehicleservices.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 11

Reviews 6

Milli Andersen

This is Milli Andersen, Service Writer @ Four Star Auto. I am responding to Jeffs review on March 27th, 2012. Jeff has a Pontiac Grand Prix that we first serviced on 3/3/10 with 90,272 miles. We performed a coolant flush at that time and yes installed a flush tee, which is common practice, in order to completely flush the cooling system. At no point in time over the next 1 to 2 years (as Jeff says in his review) did he contact us regarding a coolant leak. Also at no point in time did Jeff return to our shop when he was told by another shop that the flush tee was leaking. Had he returned within a year or even two we would have gladly replaced the "defective" flush tee @ no charge. As far as the brakes are concern. Jeff contacted me the week of March 26th by phone. He explained that the brakes in his vehicle were pulsating while stopping. I told him we would check them for him and see what was going on. We performed a front brake service on 9/30/2010 @ 94,009 miles. We replaced pads and rotors at that time. I told him that although technically the work was out of warranty we would certainly work with him if it was defective parts. I told him that we would have to inspect the brake system to determine the cause of the issue due to the fact that pulsation in the brake system could be due to front rotors, rear rotors, calipers sticking, parking brake issues, and even ABS system issues. This problem is not caused from worn pads/rotors, it is due to excessive heat build up and/or over torqueing of wheels. I told him that the inspection charge would be $21.95 IF the problem had nothing to with the work we performed AND if he did not do any recommended repairs. He stated he wanted us to check for free no matter the outcome. I declined to do this. At this time I have not heard back from this customer and my offer of inspection still stands. We try to do everything we can to make things right. Our standard warranty is 12 months or 12,000 miles but we often exceed this for customer satisfaction. We have to be given a chance to check the vehicle and make things right. My goal personally and professionally is to be honest, to be ethical, and to be the best person I can be.

Anonymous User

In response to Millis response. About coolant flush - I didnt notice there being a problem until about 6 months after the flush. I dont know a lot about cars and just figured I needed to add coolant to it since every few months it would get low. Lord knows if I went somewhere there would be a charge so I honestly thought the best thing to do at the time would be to add coolant. It seemed to work for the next year for me until this March. I figured a coolant flush was a coolant flush and didnt think there was that much involved where there would be issues. Thats why I never contacted 4 Star about it. About the brakes and rotors - I had my back brakes and rotors replaced and my front brakes and rotors (which Four Star replaced 16,000 miles ago) are still bad. My car still pulses and its not caused by the back brakes. I would gladly bring my car in to have them look at my brakes for free to see if its caused by their defective parts (which is most likely the case just like the flush tee). Midas, Firestone, and tons of other places check brakes for free. So why would I come in and pay $21.95 after all the trouble Ive been put through? Im shocked I havent been offered something after all the trouble 4 Star has put me through.

Colin Loynachan

Finally found a good shop in the twin cities. Recently moved up here and had been to a several shops and a couple of dealerships to get some vibration problems figured out in my 2011 Honda Pilot. At other shops I had tried road force balancing, new tires, got told motor mounts a couple of times but declined replacing them (they look fine to me). These guys quickly figured out it was a bad inner cv joint and too much lateral runout on my front brakes. I also had my 100k timing belt maintenance performed at this time. Four Star charges very competitive prices and doesnt round up on the labor hours. If something takes them 15 minutes, they charge you for 15 min of labor, not half hour or full hour like some shops and most dealerships will. Ended up saving lots of money and now I have the peace of mind knowing I have a knowledgable shop to bring my Honda to whenever Im concerned about something. Im fairly neurotic about my car upkeep and have very low tolerance for vibration or irregular noise. Millie, the extremely knowledgable service writer, is exactly the same way. That goes a long way for me. Mike is also great- seems very knowledgable, experienced, and talented. Im sure Ill be a customer for many many years.

Leland Olson

Dear neighbor looking for a good place to get your car fixed, I can recommend Four Star Auto wholeheartedly and without reservation. I live in the neighborhood and have been taking my cars there exclusively for many years. I trust them implicitly and have always been satisfied with their work. On the very few occasions when there has been a problem, they have corrected it immediately without question and at no charge. Also, instead of recommending repairs that I didn’t need as some shops do, they have recommended not doing repairs that I thought I needed to save me money. In unforeseen emergencies, such as flat tires or dead batteries, they have always been willing to literally go the extra mile, even making house calls at times. Finally, and most importantly, to me at least, the staff are courteous, friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible, willing to answer any and all questions about maintenance, needed repairs, and cost estimates. Brian, Milli, and Mike greet me on a first name basis. It’s like dropping in on old friends instead of leaving you car with a stranger you don’t know if you can trust. Sincerely from a satisfied and enthusiastic customer, Lee Olson

Sam Gilbertson

Had my car towed here after breaking down on the way home from work. They were able to provide a loaner car and work on my car the next morning. The car was done by the end of the day! It was frustrating to pay $250 to replace a piece that I could buy online for $7 that only required me to unplug the old and plug in the new. They also scratched my car while they were working on it, but were honest about it and had the entire door repainted to fix the little scratch. I never like handing over my vehicle, but its comforting to know they will do whats right. This is not the fanciest of shops, but it is honest, professional, and courteous. Im a student in Minneapolis living 6 hours from home; its good to be able to rely on a place when my mechanically inclined father cant be there to fix it for me.

Anonymous User

I had a check engine light on problem, and the code suggested changing O2 sensor. I went to several places, and one of them asked me for $800+ to replace it, since they need to replace the CAT to replace the sensor. Another one said I need to pay $500+ to have it fixed. Then a friend of mine recommended this place to me. And they were happy to replace the sensor, which I bought by myself. They didnt say I need to change anything else. Guess how much I spent on the replacement? $65!! And that is before the 15%discount. I paid $56 in the end, and I received other coupons from them afterwards. I really celebrate I went to the right place! One more thing, they are really really busy. So make sure to make appointment ahead of time.