McLaughlin Towing and Auto Repair JunkYard in New Haven (CT)

This place would get a zero if it was possible. CAUTION! Do not use! This is the most unprofessional towing company. They not only damaged our vehicle, which was acknowledged at the time of the tow (with an attempt to fix), but then they denied the damage when we followed up. The individual I spoke to on the phone was disgusting; he was rude, dismissive, and literally laughed at us. Another reviewer called them "predatory" and that they should be investigated which is entirely accurate.

This place is a cave of Wolfs, thieves and nasty unprofessional people,towing people cars without a justification and demanding only cash payments to poke the money even if they have the capability to receive payments by credit and debit cards. They have not a bit of respect for customers and public in general, please avoid making any contact with those rats.

The guy who towed my car didn’t write a receipt or report so they said they didn’t have my car when they did, it just wasn’t recorded. Had to file a police report because they told me it was probably stolen. On the bright side the owner gave me a small discount and the man who helped me was kind. But it still was not worth the heart attack of thinking my car was stolen.

Absolutely the worst customer service. I called for a price to get the car out since they only take cash and was told he didn't know and to argue the price when I got there. Then he hung up on me and blocked me.

The person I spoke too very unreasonable and disrespectful hung up the phone 3 times, I had called the state to pick up my car and they went and picked up at my work place for no reason, I spoke to the building manager and they never called them, I still don’t know why my car got towed.

My mothers car was towed from a spot and the operator said it would be 192 to get it out and what kind of company doesn’t have exact change on them?? For the rest of the money went to the operator. If I ever need a tow? I know who not to call. No wonder I see this company all over main st In Danbury

Got stuck in driveway call this towing company got to me within 20min also their proced are very fair compared to grand prix towing these people will try to stick it dry don't use grand prix use Mclaughlin

Horrible customer service. Called on a Saturday night after a horrible car accident needing a tow truck. When asking a simple question, the person over the phone was swearing and being very unprofessional. Thankfully we were able to use a different tow company for a a significantly lower cost & a much better customer experience. As a professional company there is never the need for swearing or being sarcastic to your customers. Learn to provide better service.

Review update! I originally liked this company, however after seeing firsthand their predatory practices, specifically down at Glen Apartments, where they have been towing residents vehicles for no reason. One excuse was there was no handicap sticker, however, the handicap sticker was right in the window and the gentleman took it out and showed the driver, he towed it anyway. Another excuse was the vehicle was not registered, but the owner was able to provide the registration, they charged him to drop the vehicle. Towing somebody’s car in the middle of the night because the registration had a different address. However, the car had the proper permit sticker in the window which is given out by Housing. The people down there live on fixed incomes, and what they’re doing is wrong…..From now on, should anyone in my family need their car towed we’ll be calling Modzelewski’s Original review My sons clutch went this morning on his way home from work. Called McLaughlin for a tow, very professional on the phone and were to him in about 35 minutes. Able to have it towed to from Danbury to New Milford for a reasonable price. Gentleman that came out was friendly and professional as well. Will definitely call again if needed!

I was involved in an accident on 84 and Mclaughlin towed my car to their yard. They were very helpful dealing with the insurance agents and assisting me with getting my belongings (including roof box and racks) off the vehicle.

charged more than state maximum, very rude in person and through the phone and wouldn’t pick up the phone 30 min after they towed my car

The worst company i have ever dealt with. Unprofessional, rude, complete scammers. Horrible communication and service to their customers. I have never had a worst experience than dealing with these people. I have no idea how they’re in business. Literally a danger to the community. They’re not there to do a service, they’re there to take advantage scam you. I would give 0 stars if i could. Do yourself a favor and don’t even bother supporting this business. They’re lot after hours is in the middle of no where and make sure you have cash because they won’t accept anything else even more of a scam. Disgusted with these people.

Cannot be trusted ever. Ambulance chasers of the tow truck world. Do not let them come within 10 feet or your vehicle. No sense of professionalism respect or dignity plenty more negative things to say nothing positive

Beware of this business they will damage your vehicle. They towed our truck and trailer while we were working.We had parked in a lot of a closed business with no clearly posted signs about towing. After looking we found one hidden where they could say it was posted but no one would reasonably see. In order to charge an additional fee they broke the lock off our trailer and while disconnecting it the driver also damaged the wiring harness for our trailer lights. The driver was very nonchalant about the damage as if it was his right to damage our vehicle. If you have a choice use a different company, if you don't document damage to your vehicle before leaving their lot.

Car towed from Market Place parking lot when I safely did not drive home last night and the lot was very full. Situation sucks but they did handle my call and questions with courtesy. Was told I had to pay in cash and when I showed up the two men at the front desk were available and kind. $181 for a tow, prices did not seem too extraneous for what happened.

I had a bad experience with this place. Yes they were able to take my car in and work with me with the payment but I brought it in on a Thursday and I didn’t get it back totally fixed until the following Tuesday. They had it for 5 full days. The lack of communication was horrible. They didn’t call me once to update me or let me know they were fixings parts I didn’t know needed to be fixed I was the one who had to call them multiple times. They ended up telling me my car was fixed and towed it to my job so I could drive it home. I heard a noise coming from underneath and the exhaust pipe had broke yes from being somewhat old but because my car was not towed on a flat bed and was knocked by the equipment that goes under the tires to tow the car. I brought it back ASAP the next morning. Thank god for my coworkers for helping me out. They did fixed my exhaust the best they could free of charge because I was not about to pay for something I didn’t cause. I was able to pick it up myself after work because I did not want it back on that tow truck. I will NEVER go back to this place again!!

Great job great people Every reasonable price fixed vehicle for my cousin made sure she could travel right down to the wipers.explained everything before repairing Not like some guys who come up with all extras unneeded.

Parked on an assigned parking lot for a bank in front of Danbury ice arena where I am eligible to park and got towed!!!..After going to the tow companies lot to pick up my car and saw them unloading other cars from a flatbed truck I was kind of blown away. I am not a professional but I don’t think that this is the way of handling someone else’s property, shaking the car for like 15 min because it wouldn’t come down?! After I pointed this out to the driver , his responds, that’s what you have to expect when getting towed. Anyway, 4 other people were waiting for their cars and NONE of us got told that cash is the only payment option?! $195 for a 1.2mile distance, 1.5 hours wast of my time and the rudest people I’ve ever met.

My experience with this company was completely horrible. My car was towed on 11/25/17. I was at fault for parking at an apartment complex parking lot because I wasn't aware of the no parking sign. I arrived to the parking lot as they were getting ready to tow my car. Steven was the guy who towed my car and he claimed it was too late for me to move my car. Steven was absolutely unprofessional and made me feel uncomfortable due to his aggressive way to answer my questions. I asked to pay for the towing right then and there and he claimed he had to take my car to the yard and I would have to pay there. I knew where my car was being towed to because I asked for a card rather than him giving me a card. Once I got to the yard, he started yelling telling me to stop as I wasn't allowed to be in the yard. When I asked him how much it was he said it was $175 plus tax and CASH ONLY. I was not given a receipt for my payment nor was I given change. A company that claims to do business as CASH ONLY is obviously a company not to trust because they can get away from reporting less income to the IRS. This is obviously a scam that they have going on by abusing in charging people unreasonably. If I ever need a tow, I will NEVER do business with McLaughlin and I will ABSOLUTELY not recommend them.

After AAA Plus RV left us stranded on the road for 5 hours on a Sunday night with still no answer as to when they could secure a driver, I called McLaughlin Towing to tow our pick up truck (with a brake issue) and enclosed car trailer (with a classic car in it). He answered on the first try, and showed up within an hour. He quoted a price over the phone and it didn't change. Towing is never cheap, but considering the cost of buying, maintaining and operating the required equipment, and being available 24/7 at the drop of a hat, the price wasn't unreasonable at all. Mike was professional, courteous and careful. Hopefully I never need to, but I wouldn't hesitate to call McLaughlin's for service.

It is unfortunate that a tow company that is sometimes contracted by a police department doesn’t know the law Had a friend that had their car towed on October 28, 2023, and according to House bill 6657 as of October 1, 2023 it is now illegal for a tow company to accept only cash When I brought this to the attention of the person answering the phone, they hung up on me I gave them the name, and I even told them which lines they had to read to speed up the process of them finding out what they were doing was illegal Subsequently upon calling back, I was directly sent to voicemail It is ironic that in the notes for the above mentioned bill it is stated that the purpose is in part to prevent predatory towing practices but what it seems this company is doing is choosing to continue their predatory practices by choosing to ignore the law Very unprofessional and illegal of them

I have gotten many repairs done and also a little body work on our truck hear. Never an issue and the price is good. I am extremely happy with the customer service I get as well. It's funny how most of the 1 star reviews on here are from people that got their cars towed so they are mad and have to give a bad review.

My experience here was terrible. The employees here are very rude. My car got towed, So I went to pick up my car. I only had a credit card. They said they don't take credit cards. I asked them if they had a ATM. They said "no". I go where is the closes ATM I can go they said",they don't know". I said I don't have cash on me because I don't usually carry 100 on me. One of the employees said "It's ridiculous you come here without money". One of the worst and unwelcoming places I been too. This business hopefully won't be running for much longer

Most horrible place I have ever been. We agreed to change oil, oil filter and fuel filters for 100$ and once they did it they made me pay 165$! They said it took 2 hours which is typically takes 45 minutes! 65$ doesn’t change my life but experience is sucks! That was my mistake to don’t pay attention to your feedbacks. Stay healthy guys and stay as far as possible from this fake professionals!

Had a miscommunication with the shop Manager Primo. When I decided to call the facility I spoke to the Owner Mike McLaughlin - It was a very unique situation and he spent plenty of time on the phone with me not only correcting the mistake, but sharing some valuable information on a personal level. 99% of things in life can be handled with Words - It takes more effort to leave a positive review then a negative one. I was very unhappy not 30 minutes ago, but I would recommend these guys especially if your dealing with Mike McLaughlin himself.

Sketchy business practices, cash only and they don’t provide change.

Fortunately I've only had to use McLaughlin's services twice, but each time I have had great service. They're fair in price, and a great group of guys to converse with. From towing to auto repair, McLaughlin is my go to.