23/02/2014

Bad Bad Bad

BAD BAD BAD. I do took my Nissan maxima there February. 5 to have a engine replaced paid 1500 up front was told it would take 21 hours to replace and it is now February 23 18 days later I still have not got my car back every day am told it will be ready when I go down there it's some long story of why it's not

From: Rj W.

Source: YPAGE

27/09/2013

i have been working with Lou and his staff for over a year and a half. Great sense of humor, but serious about working on your car. Very convienent downtown location, and locally owned and operated, it's nice to go to a good honest mechanic. they will not steer you wrong!

From: Bob K.

Source: YPAGE

07/05/2016

We found Benchmark in a pinch as our old 1952 Chevy truck was in transit and knew right away that this was the right place for us! After many months of researching parts, Lou and team outdid themselves in repairing and restoring our special family truck. They took the time needed to do things right...and this truck needed an entire engine overhaul. No small project. They even went above and beyond, fixing trim, paint, wood railings, etc. they clearly took great pride in their work and wanted us to be completely pleased with the results. We are very happy! We can't say enough about them. Thank you for all the great work! We will be back soon for regular servicing!

From: Heidi Erwin

Source: FBOOK

02/05/2016

AWEFUL!!! I am so disappointed with my experience here. I was given estimated quotes on an older vehicle I had just purchased. I was unbelievably surprised that the quotes i had recieved had sky rocketed since the last time we had spoken to the owner Lou. I was also charged for TWO diagnostic tests. $200 just to look over the car and problems that we had already explained to them. I was then told that the windshield may have to be removed to reach a part that needed to be re... See More

From: Jodie Evans

Source: FBOOK

06/02/2016

I had some major repairs needed and found this place online. Upon my first interaction I knew that I was in good hands. From start to finish Joey was exceptional and has won a client for life. Any need I have in the future with car repairs will be handled here! Unsurpassed service from great professionals!

From: Divad Maestro

Source: FBOOK

21/09/2014

Affordable Automotive repair, maintainance, restoration, and modifications for all makes and models. Gas or diesel. When everyone else CAN'T, WE CAN. We go above and beyond the standard. That's why we're setting the benchmark for automotive repairs. We give the best bang for your buck. Come in and see for yourself.

From: Joey Menditto

Source: FBOOK

19/05/2015

these guys saved me. excellent service, communication and worked overtime to get me back on the road and paid less than I expected.

From: Deona Fish

Source: FBOOK

06/08/2016

VERY VERY RUDE!!!! Asked simple question ...instead of simple answer I received very unprofessional, disrespectful, smart-A$$ answer!

From: Cassie Grimmett

Source: FBOOK

08/01/2016

Awesome service, friendly people, fantastic work. A+++ place!

From: Danielle Lemay-Poudrier

Source: FBOOK

20/04/2015

this place is a ripoff artist - don't take your car their - they overcharge

From: Denise A O'Neill

Source: FBOOK

01/03/2016

From: Faith McCoy

Source: FBOOK

18/06/2014

From: Christine Menditto

Source: FBOOK

20/07/2013

From: Ashley Norwood

Source: FBOOK

18/07/2013

From: Stephanie Goddard

Source: FBOOK

10/07/2016

I took my car here June 30 at 7:30AM. I asked what time I could pick it up, the lady asked when I needed it. We agreed on 4PM. When I called at 3:30PM to check on the status, she said they hadn't even looked at it and it wouldn't be ready until 5:30-6. I couldn't wait that long as I had evening engagements. Instead of offering any kind of assistance (we could take you tomorrow, etc.), she simply said, "You can come get it, no work has been done to it." When I came to pick it up, she was not there, but the owner was. When I asked him what happened, he was defensive and said the woman had no recollection of the time we agreed to and went even further saying, "She's pretty sharp too, so..." I understand mistakes happen (a fact the owner acknowledged), but how you handle mistakes says a lot about your business. The fact that the owner simply reiterated that I could leave and take my car and made no offer to even try to complete the work at another time says a lot. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you need a free parking spot for the day.

From: Bonnie Queen

Source: GPLAC

20/07/2016

They were great. Very difficult to find mechanics that have dealt with rotary engines and actually know how to fix it. They answered all my questions and explained everything so I can understand it. My car hasn't run this good in three years. Definitely will be going back to this shop if I need more work done to my car!!!

From: chaos 48

Source: GPLAC

30/03/2016

Couldn't recommend more. It's definitely rare that you find a good mechanic that you can trust to do what needs to be done and do it right the first time. They replaced my engine for cheaper than anyone around here would, did it quickly, and they were sure to authorize any changes to the plan with me and explain exaclty why it needed to be done. I'll be going here for everything my car needs done from now on!

From: Sarah Evans

Source: GPLAC

02/05/2016

These guys tried to charge over $4,000 for brakes, a window that wouldn't roll down, and wipers that didn't work. And then charged us 2 diagnostic fees totaling over $200 for not getting the work done there. Upon questioning that extra fee they immediately resorted to threats of keeping our car until we paid. The owner's son Joe (the "expert" mechanic) started yelling at my girlfriend, throwing his arms around, and approached me in a physically threatening manner. I whole heartedly believe he was going to strike me if his father hadn't stopped him. I believe he is overworked. He was yelling about working 90 hours a week. Seems like they need to hire another mechanic. Being tired and overworked can lead to poor work and obviously TERRIBLE customer service. Many other good places to go. Avoid this one.

From: qaiys13

Source: GPLAC

20/06/2016

While traveling home on our vacation, our car decided to break down. Not only did this shop see our car right away, order the parts and fix within a few hours, they stayed after closing to be able to get us on our way! All while allowing us with our toddlers to stay in the shop office where it was nice and cool. Highly recommend this shop!!!

From: Michelle Sachenbacher

Source: GPLAC

16/04/2016

Very friendly, accommodated me although they were all booked for the day. I will definitely be back again.

From: Ali A.

Source: YELP

02/05/2016

These guys tried to charge over $4,000 for brakes, a window that wouldn't roll down, and wipers that didn't work.
And then charged us 2 diagnostic fees totaling over $200 for not getting the work done there. Upon questioning that extra fee they immediately resorted to threats of keeping our car until we paid.
The owner's son Joe (the "expert" mechanic) started yelling at my girlfriend, throwing his arms around, and approached me in a physically threatening manner. I whole heartedly believe he was going to strike me if his father hadn't stopped him.
I believe he is overworked. He was yelling about working 90 hours a week.
Seems like they need to hire another mechanic. Being tired and overworked can lead to poor work and obviously TERRIBLE customer service.
Many other good places to go.
Avoid this one.

From: Qaiys B.

Source: YELP

23/03/2016

These guys are the real deal! You won't find a more honest, friendly or knowledgeable shop in Raleigh and when it comes to mechanics, honesty is tough to come by. The team took my frantic phone call after my 2007 Corvette died on the way to work and I had it towed to a different shop where they told me they thought "the engine may have seized up" and I needed to find an engine specialist or look for a new motor! Naturally I freaked out and started calling around and was blessed enough to call Benchmark first. They calmed me down, pushed my car across the street to their shop, dissected the problem like boss in a few hours and had me on the phone and off the bridge I was planning on jumping off! Lol. My alternator went bad and I lost a pulley. Far from a 6k motor replacement! They could have 100% could have taken me and my hard earned money for a ride but they chose to be honest and do the right thing to gain a customer. If you have car problems or just want a good oil change DO YOURSELF A FAVOR call Benchmark! They have also replaced my clutch and done a ton of wiring and maintenance to my 2007 Jeep Wrangler. Really glad I found these guys!

From: Clay A.

Source: YELP

19/03/2015

It's hard to find a good, honest auto shop. There are plenty of factors involved: Trustworthiness, communication, turnaround time, etc.
All those things, plus intangibles can be summed up in one question: "Would I send my wife here for repairs?"
It was time for an oil change, and my normal shop is all the way in Coats. They're booked out two weeks solid, and they only do oil changes first thing in the morning.
I don't trust the Meinekes, Wal-Marts and Jiffy Lubes of the world to not strip my drain plug, or leave it out altogether.
So, I went on the hunt for a good mechanic. And I've found Angie's List to be a good place (sorry, Yelp!-- You aren't quite there yet for businesses besides restaurants and bars).
Benchmark came up, and they were running a special: $24.95 for a synthetic blend oil change. ($45 or so for full synthetic...not bad at all.)
I booked it, and the folks responded quickly. Good sign. I scheduled an appointment for 2PM, they got my make and model to make sure they had the proper filter on hand.
Arriving a little after two, I grabbed a seat in the waiting room, and they put my car in the bay immediately. Thirty minutes later, they backed the car in.
The guy who checked me out at the counter took the time to run through some codes (minor) in my system, and explain them in detail.
When I asked about a tune up, he took the time to look up the service interval, and give me a brief estimate of the time and costs involved.
At no point did he try the upsell or hustle. Just said that he cleared the codes, and if they were still there at the next oil change, we might want to talk about it.
So would I send my wife here? Without hesitation.
How can I say that based on a single oil change? Because how a business treats a small margin transaction like an oil change says a lot about how they'll treat an engine or transmission swap.
The next time you have an issue, or that little engine light comes on...I suggest you take your vehicle down to Benchmark. They'll definitely receive more of my business in future.

From: Kurt H.

Source: YELP

27/05/2013

Bonehead move: trying to make a tight three-point turn on a busy street (Boylan) during Friday evening rush hour to parallel park in a space too small for my car.
Turn one: accelerated perhaps a little too hard into a driveway, which was more like a curb, smashing the front end of my Volvo into the pavement. A man walking by dramatically looks back. I'm all like, "Stop being dramatic, I just took a bad angle." A few minutes later, after the aborted parallel parking job, my car is alerting me to stop ASAP because my coolant is low. I do so, and watch yellow green liquid ooze out from beneath the car and stop. Some sort of casing has come loose.
Fuck.
Sorry Yelp prudes, this deserves a big cuss word.
Benchmark Autoworks is the closest repair shop nearby, and I slo-o-o-o-wly drive it a half mile downtown to the shop. It's about to close, but they promise me, should the parts be available in the area, they will have it ready by close of shop the next day, Saturday (Memorial Day weekend, btw). I breathe a sigh of relief and party like I am the idiot I am.
The car was done, right on the button at 4pm the next day. This place would get 5 stars if they called me (granted, I called them desperately all day Friday, so they probably didn't think they needed to, but it would be nice to know that things were delayed, which they didn't do). Also, the didn't jiggle the coolant detector, so now my car is stuck on "STOP NOW SAFELY ASAP YOUR COOLANT IS LOW." Oh well. This fixed it in a pinch (for a pretty penny, mind you). Let it be a lesson: no three-point turn needs to be so quickly maneuvered for the sake of rush hour traffic that causes you to be out a cool 6 hundo. Gah.

From: Mike O.

Source: YELP

14/01/2016

I called at 730a this morning right when they opened after hearing my brakes grinding. I'm greeted by the smiling administrative assistant, get asked to explain my issue, given my timeline on when things will get going and I leave. Not 1 hour later, I get a call from the mechanic himself, not the administrative assistant. Although I would've appreciated her call as well, but he's the expert. He tells me what he did to find the problem was, what he can do to fix it, the cost and time frame. A few hours after that, another call that my car was done. When I picked it up, I spoke to the mechanic and he handed me a detailed copy of what was worked on. I thanked him over and over for such an outstanding job. My car is running and sounds great. Excellent staff. Excellent work. This shop should be proud.

From: Whitney J.

Source: YELP

10/09/2014

They are always helpful....If you want honest service and repairs for your vehicle they are the ones to contact.

From: Donnell P.

Source: YELP

23/07/2014

These guys are awesome!
As a girl it can be difficult to find a good mechanic. These guys care about your car and you. They have continuously taken care of my car quickly and inexpensively while being incredibly friendly and respectful. These guys are good and honest. I am incredibly grateful to have found Benchmark Auto and plan to return to them for a very long time.

From: Jane S.

Source: YELP

01/11/2015

Thanks for the help on the Xterra Benchmark!

From: Parrish R.

Source: YELP

07/11/2015

Locally owned and run little gem in downtown Raleigh! It's very lucky to find a team of car mechanic gurus that are friendly, honest, and affordable. I will always bring my car to Benchmark Autos first, as Lou and team can't seem to be beat! They are even open on Saturday!!

From: Patrick C.

Source: YELP

24/01/2014

My check engine light came on this morning on the way to works. They did a great job on my car! It's running like new again. I found my new go to place! I highly recommend this place! Right downtown in walking distance of everything!

From: Dolly S.

Source: YELP