Akron Auto Clinic

Address:	922 W Bowery St, Akron, OH 44307, USA
Phone:	+1 330-434-9740
Site:	akronautoclinic.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 11

Reviews 4

Gemma Astley

EDIT: I appreciate the owners response. I do need new tires and those run about $800-900 for this car so, taking that off the total, the estimate was 3K for the struts and shocks. This issue of replacement seems to be one of opinion. My last mechanic only works with Mercedes and doesnt replace them for this model unless there are clear signs that theyre faulty (visible leaking, bumpy ride, etc). My last ML350 was 10 years old when I sold it, and it never needed the struts or shocks done, either. Reading on the subject seems to come to the same conclusion: some mechanics like to do it when a car gets up in miles, others only when issues arise. When I was given the estimate, it was communicated to me as something that needed doing, not a recommendation based on mileage or age of the vehicle. I was told "struts and shocks need to be replaced, and I can get the parts in for next week", which to me indicated it was a current concern, not something to consider for the future. I do appreciate the owners professional and polite response but will not be returning to their business. I cannot recommend this place. I just moved to the area and my car needed a regular service. Chose this place based on the good reviews. Took it in and waited almost 2 hours in a super uncomfortable waiting room. I was told it needed new shocks, struts, and tires, which would cost almost 4K. Now, I bought this car less than a year ago and it has an impeccable service record, and it passed my old mechanics pre buy inspection so I was instantly suspicious. I decided to call my old mechanic and ran their suggestions by him. He stated that there were no signs of issues with the shocks and asked me how its been driving. Still smooth. He also stated that he has never replaced struts or shocks for this model of Mercedes (2010 ML350) and hes been servicing German cars for 20 years. I dont know whether the people at Akron Auto just dont know Mercedes, or made a mistake here. Either way, they recommended almost 4K of work that does not need to be done. They also didnt reset my computer so Im still getting the automated service reminder every time I turn on the car. My recommendation is to stay away.

Anonymous User

I have mixed feelings about Akron Auto Clinic. First I will say that Ive never had an issues with the work theyve done on my car, and their prices seem to be reasonable for an independent shop. Theyve been around a long time, and the owner is almost always there, and he puts a picture of himself in his ads - yes, I think that means something. They look over your car while its there and advise you of any other issues they see, which is great. Ive always found that the other issues they find on inspection to be correct and true. The issues I have with going there are a few. One, the shuttle service they advertise is usually in your own car i.e. they will drive to pick you up in your own car, etc. Once I think they picked me up doing a test drive of someone elses car, but that was just the impression I got, I didnt check the title or anything! On the surface I think the shuttle service, even if its in your own car, is very helpful for someone that only has one car - they just need to be straightforward about it. Second, they dont do alignments in the shop. Thats not that unusual (they would need an additional machine for it), but on several occasions they have quoted me repairs that most shops quote with alignment included, but they obviously did not, and then did not bother to tell me an alignment was needed until after the fact. Then if you do need an alignment, they will offer to do it for you, but they drive it to I believe its a Firestone and let them do it. Which, if youre aware is ok, but once I had to wait for 4 hours AFTER my repair was done because Firestone didnt have the time to get around to doing my alignment. Had they told me up front I could have driven it somewhere else. On top of that, the price AAC charges for an alignment isnt awful but isnt great and not worth sitting around an extra 4 hours for (I believe it was a little under $70). So end result the important things (i.e. repairs) are done correctly, the guys at the shop are always nice, prices are fair, just be aware of a few of the side items and be sure to ask if any other services (i.e. alignment) will be needed after your repair.

Emma C

I am a single college-aged girl who just moved to the area and noticed that my car was making a creaking/grinding noise when I made sharp turns. I have a mechanic, but he is in Cincinnati and there was no way I could take it in to him. So I read some reviews and did some research and this place seemed like a safe bet. I am always a little leery of auto mechanics, because sometimes I feel like I am getting fleeced. But not here. They got me in immediately, and gave me a free inspection. I also got a small discount for being a AAA member and a student. They stuck my car up on the mount and took a look, and then walked me out into the shop and pointed out what was going wrong in my car. The problem, as it turned out, was my struts beginning to groan a little. I am more than a little broke, and they were very honest with me about how safe it was to drive (turns out, at this point, pretty safe!) and when and why I should get them replaced. We talked about how much the cost was to get the parts in and cost of labor, and they printed everything up for me. They told me to come back in a month and they would recheck the car for free, and we could discuss a further plan of action based upon how well my struts would hold up. The long and short of it is, I did not feel fleeced. I felt like they were honest and respectful and very prompt and kind. They encouraged me to shop around, and told me they had a free shuttle service if I needed to leave the car for an extended period of time. This is a great mechanic. Please use them for your own car.

Tamika Keyes

The best thing about the service was the loaner. I was able to get back and forth to work while they diagnosed my truck. However, they had my truck for almost a week before they could tell me what was wrong with it... Initially diagnostics were $85.. After almost a week and them telling me codes that i told them from the initial conversation, i spent $170 on diagnostics (didnt even get repairs done there because the price was ridiculous) and i still dont know whats wrong with my car because what they said i needed fixed, i got fixed (somewhere else), but my car is still not running!! What auto businesses fail to realize is if u are upfront and honest with people and not trying to over charge them or pull a fast one, then you wld get continuous business. The best advertising is word of mouth!! I would never refer anyone here because i do not trust them and i felt taken advantage of. There is no way a company shld charge $700+ for a job that takes 1/2 an hr and the part is only $50! Not to mention,obviously what they said was the issue was not even the issue smdh.