Auto Clinic of Maryland - Caton Auto Clinic

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Mark Tyrrell
a month ago
I've taken my cars there for nearly everything for over a decade.This place truly has integrity and trustworthiness, not just in word, but in action & process. I talked with them after a concern I had and discovered that none of their managers are compensated based on $ or profitability. That means their primary concern is that you're satisfied. I'm thrilled they're here in Catonsville.

  Melanie
a week ago
TL;DR they seem more honest with locals than with semi-locals who need warranty work. Chris is rude.Detail: I broke down on 695 and had to have my truck towed to Caton. It's important to note that I am NOT local, as I suspect they treat locals better than they have treated me. I ended up needing a new clutch which cost about $2,500. Sixish months later, the clutch was having problems and my home mechanic said to take it back to Caton because they need to replace it. I took my truck back to Caton and dropped it off. The next day Caton insisted they were unable to replicate the issue and I said I wouldn't be able to keep getting a ride an hour one way just to fit their schedule so Deana told me to call when I am nearby and experiencing the issue and they'll find someone to jump in and do a test drive with me and I agreed. Something changed after they had my truck because the symptoms were different, but maybe it was just a magical intervention. Now I'm having a grinding issue which is driveable but inconsistent. Caton texted me to check on the year anniversary of the clutch replacement and I told them I'm still having issues. Made an 8 am appt to drop it off and do a test drive with them. When I called the day of the appt AT THE TIME OF OPENING 7:30 am to say that with traffic I'd be there around 9/9:30 and should I reschedule the test drive, the rude man, Chris, who answered put me on hold ten minutes then said I'd have to arrive at 8 to do a test drive no exceptions. I could go into further detail about how rude Chris was, but I'll just say that if I could give negative stars then I would. I ended the call and spoke with another customer of theirs who is local. I also looked at the documents from prior visit. Both the other customer and my paperwork confirmed that test drives are done sporadically through the day. So I called, spoke with Deana (one of apparently only two women working there) and she explained staffing issues with having a tech do a test drive. I explained I don't care who rides with me but I do need them to acknowledge the issue and start the warranty work. With communication, we arranged a 9 am test drive and have now accomplished replicating the issue. It is not fixed, and I am very anxious that it never will be. If I were reviewing Deana it would be five stars but if I were reviewing Chris and the "foreman" I would give negative stars so I settled on a 2 star rating and a long explanation. I am still aggravated and my gears are LITERALLY GRINDING.

  Joel street
2 months ago
Amazing service!My dealership couldn t see me for a week i gave Caton Auto Clinic a call and they fit me in within the hour! The service was swift, professional, the waiting area was clean, comfortable, and well stocked. I am definitely pleased to refer them to my friends and family

  Courtney Burrier
4 months ago
Stopped in unexpectedly because a kind samaritin flagged me down on the highway to let me know I had a flat tire. I was close to Auto Clinic of Maryland (Caron Auto), and my mother was with me and had heard good things. I entered the very comfortable waiting area and was greeted warmly. Chris S. took my car in right away and inspected all of the tires, and found a nail in my tire. They patched it for me free of charge! All of the staff was very friendly and kept me informed. I don t live close by, but I would go out of my way to have my car worked on here! Highly recommend!

  Ms. K Holloway
2 weeks ago
-10/10 do not recommend, not a good place to get a MD state inspection for your vehicle unless you want to get charged luxury dealership fees for a non-luxury car. Had the MD inspection, failed . The canton auto clinic mechanic wanted to charge 3700+ for replacing front struts, front stabilizer links, 2 tires, and inner axel cv boot leaking; all need to be REPLACED. The mechanic added the alignment failed but with no stats of the machine assessment alignment but failed it based it off an "visual alignment but needs alignment after front suspension work". So I showed a retired mechanic friend and he laughed, said to go ahead order the parts. I went ahead got the parts, friend did the work. He said shops do this on a routine basis just to get paid extra, especially if you're a woman with no auto mechanic background. I would've unfortunately be at the mercy of the obsence fees and parts if I hadn't had a reputable mechanic friend. He charged a reasonable rate, replaced all with new parts exception of the 2 tires which were used but still good. I thought hey, maybe Canton Auto Clinic isn't bad... Took it back for re-inspection and was told the "nothing change still have same issues". I asked why since all parts but the tires are brand new. The reply was "oh whoever you took it to installed it wrong and the struts are falling off. Plus you're over 1k miles so you have to get it reinspected". Upset, I rescheduled but asked my retired mechanic friend what to do, he said this place is running a game and referred me to another reputable shop. Guess what? I passed! I wasted $120 +tax for the MD inspection but so glad to not get skiffed by this business. Save yourself time and money, not a friendly neighborhood auto ship to do business with.

  Georgia Turner
3 months ago
Highly reputable family-business with extremely knowledgeable and friendly mechanics at Caton Auto Clinic of Catonsville. They truly go above and beyond to provide service that exceeds expectations, and have turned me into a loyal customer that keeps returning year after year. Chris Szumlanski saved the day (& week) by managing to squeeze in an emergency service on my vehicle today, despite having a busy Friday and weekend ahead. He also insisted on no charge today. Can t thank him enough.

  Megan Marcin
2 months ago
I stopped in for the first time to get a headlight replaced. Chris was very helpful and got it done quickly and gave me a loaner so I didn t have to wait. Thank you Chris!!

  Joe Carder
3 months ago
Sam was great at explaining to me what work needed to be done now and what could potentially wait until later. They also got the work done very quickly. I ll definitely keep coming back here.

  Collin Miller
4 months ago
I took my car to multiple shops that gave the same diagnosis but never solved the main problems. Caton found the underlying issues and provided super fast and friendly service!

  Wallene Jones
3 weeks ago
There is no better auto place than this one. This family run business is the best. Friendly, honest, kind. Courteous. Peaceful atmosphere !!

  James Fossler
3 months ago
Friendly as always, great service, they are quick and do an incredible job, they called me with updates on my car and asked if I wanted certain things done and gave me the price before they did it. These people are the best, and the only mechanics I use when I have car issues. They are the epitome of professionalism.Amendment to this review (01/12/24) everything still stands, I had an emergency tire situation and Chris Szumlanski said he could squeeze me in for a flat tire replacement same day. It took them just a few quick minutes to help me out. Service was, as always, was quick and professional. I can t express my gratitude enough. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!Services: Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Tire rotations, Wheel alignment, Auto tire replacement, Auto interior vacuuming, Auto maintenance, Battery

  Chip H
8 months ago
First experience with Auto Clinic/Caton Auto for a brake inspection for my 2019 Volvo. Work was honest and performed professionally. Same day service, great customer service. Really like the text based app with estimate and again with invoice. Both texts are followed up with personal calls for discussion or questions. So good to have a reliable honest large, fully equipped shop with a family-owned business appreciation for its customers.

  Alex Ippoliti
a year ago
Outstanding experience! The team there really helped us clear up an issue we thought we noticed with our family van. I was looking for a place with fleet van experience, & Auto Clinic was perfect. Professional, timely, easy to communicate with, & competent. I appreciated they charged exactly what I needed, without trying to add extra services. Would definitely come back.

  Tom Linder
6 months ago
Love working with Caton Auto Clinic. They have helped me with managing my commercial fleet of about 15 trucks. JJ, and Becca are phenomenal to work with, and they even work with us helping with pick-ups, and drop offs of our vehicles.Services: Exhaust, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenanceServices: Exhaust, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance

  Samuel Becker
5 months ago
they will charge you $200+ just to read codes and call it "diagnostics". if you want diagnostics done, you'd be better driving up the road and asking AutoZone to plug one in for free.

  Glen Miller
6 months ago
Caton Auto Clinic is the only place we take our car. They are a family owned business and have fantastic employees. They care about your car as tho it was their own. Thanks everyone at Caton Auto Clinic!!Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance, Tire rotations, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installationServices: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance, Tire rotations, Vehicle safety inspection, Wiper blade installation

  Sylvia Biggs
7 months ago
I had an accident in November 2022. I took it to another shop that didn't even do the work!!! Caton Auto not only did a great job on the repair but when I had additional issues I took it back 2 months later and Chris was EXTREMLY instrumental in getting Geico to re-open my initial claim from November and have the addtional damage repaired under coverage. Chris was more than helpful and explained everything in detail. I LOVE Caton Auto, my car has found a home.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Steering & suspension replacement, Auto engine diagnostic, Brake service & repair

  somara devis
3 weeks ago
Auto Clinic has excellent customer service and very knowledgeable and honest ! And to me that s what you look for an a auto shop.

  Rich Hunt
a year ago
Extremely professional group. The communication from start to finish was outstandingDeana the Service Advisor was knowledgeable and terrific to work with through the process. She kept the things moving and kept me updated regularly.Kenny was the technician I did not meet him but the quality of work was great. Vehicle runs very wellThank you!!Service: Engine repair

  Kathy Hausman
a year ago
I've been a customer for over 25 years. Although I've heard complaints about service I was always happy until today. I dropped my car off at 8am for my scheduled appointment. I was very clear that the tires needed to be replaced. I received a phone call at 2:45pm that the tech had just finished inspecting my car. I was told I need new tires, air & cabin filter replacement. I asked if the tires would be replaced by today, I was told no. Further I was told the reason they called so late was they had to finish all the work that was done on the cars that were brought in yesterday that was not done. If they didn't have to do the work from yesterday my car would have been looked at earlier today, tires ordered and replaced. I will share my concerns with others to prevent them from expecting their car to be repaired on the day dropped off.I spoke with Scott this morning (Friday Feb 10)and my issues were addressed and resolved. This was a learning situation for all involved. Although I appreciated the offer to replace my tires at no charge, I could not accept. We agreed to split the cost.Service: Oil change

  Logan Jones
a year ago
Service was expedient and top tier. Very friendly staff. Communication was thorough and clear. All charges were authorized before work was performed. We were informed immediately upon completion of the work. Convenient after-hours drop off options were offered as well. Most importantly, the pricing was absolutely fair and I was provided a report from the full vehicle inspection even though the vehicle was receiving minor service. Absolutely will continue to use Auto Clinic of Marlyand for all of our vehicle service.

  Mary Speers
3 months ago
Caton Auto Clinic is professional, quick, and goes the second mile. I've been entrusting my 2010 Subaru stick-shift car to their care for the last five years, and have been consistently happy with their excellent service, which includes their desire to keep maintenance up and costs down, while keeping my aging car on the road as long as possible. 155K and counting...Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Julie Schellin
11 months ago
I have gone to Caton Auto twice now this year, as I had been on the lookout for a new mechanic in Catonsville. Very happy with my experience. I especially appreciate the ability to schedule appointments online, and that I received quick responses, and excellent service on my car. Thank you, Chris and Jess!Services: General repairs & maintenance, Oil changeServices: General repairs & maintenance, Oil change

  Francisco Carreras
3 weeks ago
The members of Caton Auto Clinic are A ++ and (I would not want to take my business any place else). God bless everyone there and thanks again for there dedication and hard work. Dena and the rest of the members are professional and they do an excellent job for their customers. God bless you all.Services: Transmission, Air & cabin filter replacement, Engine repair, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Oil changeServices: Transmission, Air & cabin filter replacement, Engine repair, Wheel alignment, Brakes, Oil change

  Dave Brinker -DNR-
11 months ago
I have been using Auto Clinic of MD Fleet Service for two years now to maintain a work pickup truck that I put ~20,000 miles on each year. They are great with scheduling and communication, a necessity for someone who spends significant time on the road and working in the field. My summers are super busy with little spare time for vehicle downtime. Each spring they work with Element, our fleet management contactor, to do preventive maintenance so that I do not experience downtime during the summer field season. They accomplish this smoothly and without a hiccup. All of their work, from simple oil changes to the mechanical needs such as brake work has been done well with no needs for follow-up visits.You can't go wrong at Auto Clinic of MD if you need to get maintenance done on a fleet vehicle.Services: General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Oil change

  Tammie Harris
10 months ago
I am new to my company and Auto Clinic of Md has made it so easy for me to learn and understand the ropes. I have used them many times since I have been here and there is no other like them. JJ and Becca are amazing. They give me all details and I get no surprises when the work is complete. Both are always very helpful and professional. The work is always top notch. I don't take our vehicles anywhere else.Services: Transmission, General repairs & maintenance, Engine repair

  David Johnson
a year ago
I use this shop exclusively for all of our fleet vehicle needs. They are outstanding. They were able to diagnose and correct an issue on my F150 in a couple of days that had stumped three different Ford dealerships and had wasted more than two months of time combined! They also provide complimentary pick-up and drop-off for fleet vehciles which means I can keep working while they have my truck. Could not more strongly recommend these guys for your fleet vehicle needs!Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Casey Cain
a year ago
I am so impressed by this business. I did not get good service at a local dealership, so went to them hoping they could get to the bottom of an issue with my car. They did, indeed, figure out what was going on and corrected it. I also wanted regular service to be done on my car, and they did that, too, giving me their findings and recommendations. I can t thank them enough for communicating with me about everything all the way along the way, answering my questions, and making sure I understood all that they had found and done. I especially want to thank Chris and Jess. They are now my go-to service place for my RAV4.Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Auto battery maintenance, Auto maintenance

  Gloria Ayers
a year ago
Their customer service is excellent. They are friendly, helpful, professional and they care about your car. The only thing that I would even complain about is the cost of their parts & labor. They charge 4 times the price of the tie rods that failed inspection I bought at Advance Auto. I had to get my mechanic to replace the tie rods because I couldn't afford their price at 1/4th the price. However unless you have someone else who can do the repairs Caton Auto is comparable to or better than all other Shops. They were completely understanding and had no problem with me having someone else to do the job. I did have them do the wheel alignment and they are reasonably priced on that and very reliable. I would highly recommend them over other auto repair shops.Services: Vehicle Inspection, Wheel alignment, Vehicle safety inspection

  Brian Wade
a year ago
Went in for a diagnosis of an issue, agreed to $250 initial diagnosis. Ended up getting billed $1400 without agreeing or signing anything.My vehicle , a 2004 Buick Lesabre, was stalling out randomly without warning. I checked fuel rail pressure and it seemed very low. As my vehicle had just reached 90k miles I assumed this was fuel pump related. I purchased and installed a new fuel pump and to my surprise it did not fix the problem.Feeling stumped I did some quick research for a shop nearby that could diagnose my vehicle. Unfortunately, I chose Caton Auto Clinic. I had my vehicle towed here and agreed on a 250$ diagnosis. They seemed very nice and I felt safe leaving my vehicle with them. My family gave them multiple phone numbers as we work full time and I was leaving the state for a week. A few days later I get of a flight with missed calls from Caton Auto Clinic. My bill was now up to $1400. They went ahead and replaced the issue, which turned out to be a MAF sensor to my frustration, without any permission. When asked why they did this they stated they "had to bite the bullet and go ahead and replace it for us". What in the world? I have never heard of anyone doing work without getting an okay from a owner. In addition to this they charged an extra $100 to tow the car back to the shop when they took the car out during diagnosis and it broke down. They did this even though I specifically told them it stalls and I had it towed there. This was an extremely frustrating experience and I will be making sure everyone I know will be staying far away.Even through my anger I will try and be unbiased during this review. After the work was done they gave a very nice breakdown of what was fixed and pictures of before and after. Was very clear with what was fixed, cleaned, and replaced with pictures. This would have been very nice if they had asked to do an additional $1200 in unsanctioned work.In conclusion if you have no choice but to have work done here: Be very clear about what you want and do not want done, or they may just go ahead and fix everything without asking and charge whatever price they feel fit.Service: General repairs & maintenance