Northern Auto Repairs — Local services in Berkley

I am reminded of my horrible experience with this shop every single time I drive by and hope my review can warn others ahead of bringing their vehicle in. I am not typically one to write a review (good or bad) and this is actually my very first time doing so, but I felt obligated.

I took my car into Northern to diagnose and fix a misfiring issue. They were able to diagnose it (and put together an expensive quote) quickly enough but had trouble programming the control module and fixing the issue. Patience is a virtue so I let them keep at it after they weren’t able to figure it out within a day or two of being diagnosed.

Well, one day turned into two days, which turned into 3 days, and so on and so forth. Each day, I had to be the one to make the call and ask for an update, which always felt like pulling teeth. After about a week in the shop (and being the one to call each day for a status update), I called again and was told that they were giving up and that I should try my luck at the dealership. They tried to deflect blame and made it sound like it may be unfixable.

I went in to pick it up hoping that they’d work with me on the ~$200 diagnosis fee, considering that they were unsuccessful and left me without a ride for a week with little to no communication. In addition, I’d also have to go through the same exact diagnosis process at the dealership again. This turned out to be wishful thinking, as they wouldn’t even budge on the fee AND even tried to upsell me on a new battery. What a joke.

The front desk staff I dealt with at first was rude beyond belief, as if he was doing me a favor by holding my car hostage for a week. Rodney stepped in and was okay but comes off as a guy who tells you what he thinks you want to hear instead of being honest. I think some of the other reviewers nailed it describing him as the “used car salesman” stereotype.

Long story short, I took my car into the dealership and they were able to diagnose it and fix it within a day for about $200 less than what Northern wanted to charge for the same repair had they been capable.

Based on this experience, I would highly recommend anybody reading this doesn’t bring their car into this shop and explores all other options. This place might’ve once been good for simple repairs as the other reviews seem to indicate but it appears that they have become more reliant on marketing than providing good service as the owners have gotten older, simply based on how many sales fliers I receive in the mail from them. Avoid at all costs.

Good luck with your...

Took my car in for repair with a problem that I had done a lot of research on before hand. Made an appointment 5 days before taking it to be serviced. When arriving at the scheduled time for my appointment, I was told there was no appointment scheduled. Strike one. They assured me that they could still look at my car that day though, and was explained that there was a standard $179 "diagnosis" fee. The car was left to be inspected/serviced.

Later in the day I was called to let me know the 8-10 issues that their inspection found, which were all minor maintenance items and was asked if I wanted them to repair those. I had to ask about the issues I brought the car in for originally and was told I would be "given a call back". Seems odd that they were more worried about selling me on the minor maintenance issues than my original problem. Strike Two

When I was called back, I was informed that the issue with my car would require the transmission to be taken out and repaired, which Northern doesn't do. From the time I scheduled the appointment, brought the vehicle in for the appointment and through the phone calls, I explained in detail that the issue was a common faulty switch/sensor (again, I did hours of research before calling Northern). I was told Northern's mechanic thought otherwise and had XX years of experience and knew better than me. I was told I could pick up my car that same day. Two Uber rides plus the cost of the diagnosis equaled just over $220 and my car was was the EXACT same as I had brought in in to them- Strike 3

I ended up taking my car to the Mazda dealership, explaining the issue and having it fixed, with the bonus of a free loaner car while the vehicle was in their shop for a day, for a grand total for $436.00. The issue was exactly as I explained to them (and Northern Auto)

Needless to say, I won't be returning and urge any new customers to get a second or third opinion before choosing Northern, because there are plenty of honest, caring repair facilities in the area.

EDIT #1 - In your response, you claimed you "recommended" I take my car to the Mazda dealership - that's FALSE. After I paid for your diagnostic fee- all that was said to me by your employee was "sorry we couldn't help". While polite, it didn't ease the sting of paying you over $180 for NOTHING. Don't sugar-coat your responses to make your business look like the good guys. Again-won't be back and would never...

I've been going to Northern for years. Originally, it was to help my father drop off cars for repair. Now, more than 30 years later, I'm still taking my own cars to Northern. I feel they've been honest with me regarding what my vehicles need, and have helped me keep my older vehicles running. I also appreciate that they follow up on the repairs, checking to see if everything seems to be okay. Most recently, the brake light came on in my van. Turns out the brakes needed quite a bit of work... rather upsetting, since I'd had a dealership check out the brakes about 1 year earlier. But, since the brakes still didn't feel right after the dealership charged me quite a bit to "fix" them, I really wasn't convinced they did anything useful. Now, after Northern fixed the brakes, the van's braking feels like it should. Very definitely a huge improvement. And, before doing any work, they sent me pictures of the issues, where I could clearly see that the work was needed for the brakes and for the worn serpentine belt. I take my family on vacations in this old van -- it is important to me that it be kept safe, and I believe Northern has helped a lot in that respect!

Update 1/13/23: It was another major repair on the 18 year old van, but Northern has helped me keep it running! They do a great job. I also had an issue where my sister-in-law and her family will be visiting and will need to use the van. Northern helped me out a lot by getting it fixed before they arrive! Unfortunately, there are still a lot of 18 year old original parts on the van, so I am seriously wondering if it is time to retire the old beast, but it is a great vehicle for my family, and Northern has been able to keep it going. Thanks, Becca, for helping me out on this latest repair. While I like you folks a lot, it is my hope that the van won’t need to pay you another visit...