Carmil Car Audio — Local services in Springfield

After doing some initial research and some shopping around, I found and purchased multimedia unit from one of the larger car audio dealers here in town. This particular dealer ended up selling me installation harnesses that did not work with my car. This was Day 1. While I would absolutely LOVE to publically smear the names of the perpetrators, I'm a gentleman and would like to give them the benefit of doubt.

On Day 2, I returned the incorrect parts and went another larger car audio supplier to get what the first business described to be the "correct" parts for my car. When I got home, the install was going smooth until I hooked up my unit and found that I had no sound.

On Day 3, I went back to the second business to try to troubleshoot as to why I had no sound after following all the provided directions. The second business blamed the lack of audio on the first business that had sold me on a unit that was "not compatible" with my car. They suggested that I return the unit and purchase a unit that was $200 more than the unit on hand.

By the time I returned to the first business, I was obviously furious. They went on to tell me that the second business was didn't know what they were talking about and that he would "take care" of me and order a part that would take over a week to get here. He essentially told me that I would need to wait a week with no radio, no hands-free calling, and a big hole in the dash of my car.

I left feeling absolutely defeated and frankly, taken advantage of. I was stuck in the middle between two debating groups, both of which I thought were competent and trustworthy. I began to search Google to find ANYONE that carried this magical part that I needed so desperately. Luckily, I found Carmil Car Audio.

When I called Carmil, I spoke with Carmil himself. Rather than simply talking me through it and ordering the part over the phone, he requested that I come in so that he could actually take the time to look at the set up and identify the issue. Although I was hesitant to give someone another opportunity to burn me, I complied and dropped by.

When I got there, the staff asked if I could wait around for Carmil to wrap up another project he was working on. After about ten minutes, Carmil came from the back and followed me out to the car. He took about 30 seconds to look at the set up and then proceeded back to his store. He came back seconds later with a single wire and wire cutters. Within seconds, my system which was "not compatible" and the wiring harness that "wasn't intended" was working in perfect harmony. Almost in tears of joy, I asked Carmil, "Is THAT it??" to which he replies, "That's it! I mean, I could have sold you a $200 part that you don't really need but that's not how I run my business." Despite multiple attempts to pay for his service, Carmil absolutely refused.

So what did Carmil do that the rest of them just couldn't do? He took my problem and made it his own. It was very apparent that his interest was in satisfying the needs of a customer over meeting some sales quota.

Now, it's Day 4. Thanks to Carmil's handy work, the install was as smooth as could be. There was one connection left that I just didn't feel comfortable with completing. I dropped by Carmil at 1 pm to ask for their assistance in helping me put this all behind me. The gent working the front asked if I could come back at 2:30 so that they could knock it out. The techs not only installed the final connection but they also wired up the microphone that I had set aside to finish later. All in all, in two days, I spent a whole $20 at Carmil and they probably did the more work than both of the "other" companies combined.

My biggest regret from this whole process was that I didn't just start with Carmil Car Audio in the first place. Wes, the technicians, and the rest of the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Carmil is an absolute wizard and obviously runs his business with absolute integrity. I will be a customer for life and will tell anyone I know to start...

After spending $4000 in parts and labor I had to spend another $317 at a dealership for cracks, unplugged tubes and missing bolts. I have pictures with dates on the entires experience. On the way back a front speaker went out. The sound quality was still not where it needed to be and it was recommended I spend more in equipment and labor. I was also charged a 2nd tuning. Then a day later a rear speaker blew. I had to come up a 3rd time because the sound was still off. As well as a speaker falling out. I got a 2nd opinion because this was just not sounding like a lot of other bikes or good and balanced. So I then communicated I would be going a different direction. A new shop pointed out the speakers had been cut down to be crammed in and also holes were jammed up against the speaker grill in the front. The saddle bags were drilled incorrectly right thru the bag and not sealed or routed, just left the wire un neat and in the way. I tried calling and was told carmil was busy and would call back 4 different times and I finally just stopped in. Carmil kept 20% of all equipment upon return which I don't see as a term on any of his paperwork or receipts. After he reassured me numerous times in person he just wanted to make it right and that he would take care of me. I also caught that I was charged a credit card fee on a cash transaction.

The professional recommendation is almost spend more money, buy more. There is an excuse for everything and a negative reaction to any confrontation. And as far as his lashing out and name calling I refuse to cower to that level. I gave him more than one opportunity to make the situation right and he told me this is all I can do. I would say poor customer service. And after spending 4000 he only refunded 1263 and said that that was more than fair. This behavior and his work speaks volumes.

As far as your response, I mentioned all of these issues and I had to bring it back several times obviously it wasn’t right or I wasn’t happy and secondly, you have my number. I tried for two days getting a hold of you. You avoided me you’re more than welcome to call and once again reevaluate a better solution. And you docked me for used equipment that u cut! You didn’t tell me you were installing them incorrectly. You don’t know what you’re doing on bikes. Another shop redid the work ONE TIME! Tuned it ONE TIME! And did not over charge me 22plus hours for bike audio. You can rebuild the whole drive...

10/10 ... 1st of all I'm 4 hrs away from these guys, I'm in Manhattan,Ks . Been told what I wanted is impossible or too hard to work on . Went to Kansas City, the dealership quote me a little over 5200 just to replace a factory 8 inch sub and labor, I did my research and found that same sub for 150 on ebay lol watch a few youtube videos and came across a video of this bearded guy doing an install of subs on a Rover, toward the end of the video I noticed the license plate and instantly google the name, I message them on Facebook and got a response quicker than I could release one 🤣🤣🤣, We talked that Monday March 24 2025, He said we can definitely do it, Can you come in Friday i said yup, Drove 4 hours and I tell you these guys welcome me with open arms as if I was 1 of them, He notice my license plate and said wait are you military I said yeah, he said you definitely get a discount at that point I'm like in disbelief, the price he quoted me dropped, so I said ok I was planning on spending this amount let me ask about a dash cam , Got a 4k dash 2 blackout 12 inch subs and 3k watt amp the installation was impeccable, Loud and clear AF the work is amazing. They have my business from here on out ! Not to mention they have a detailing too, showroom type stuff ... that guy is insane we talked for hours and he took me to get food . I will be back some time in May for him to Ceramic coat my Range Rover autobiography and possibly get them to do a custom box . CARMIL and crew is by far the best in my opinion ! If i was closer I would be there everyday just to kick it...