What clients say about Martel's Foreign Car Center in Dover (DE)
MICE IN MY CAR when it was returned to me. I brought it in for an overheating issue they said they would call me with a quote 4 weeks later no quote still so I said I would just come get it. The second I got into the car I was hit with a gnarly smell which come to find out was because it sat in a field for 4 weeks and mice got into it and peed all over everything. They chewed up the carpet. There were droppings everywhere even my child’s car seat. I called to request that they cover the cost of a new car seat since it was $400. This is a reasonable request considering the extent of the damage is way more than $400 in total and I was told no “that’s just nature we can’t prevent that” even though the car was in their care. So unless you want a ruined mice filled car go somewhere else.
This mechanic will take care of you and is not money hungry. They aren't cheaper than other mechanics, but you are getting your money's worth! When they do a job. They get it done right, the first time!
I had an absolutely terrible experience with Martel’s Foreign Car Service in Dover, DE. Despite claiming to have over 20 years of experience working on Volkswagens, the owner couldn’t figure out what was wrong with our vehicle. We told him that the clock spring needed to be replaced, he ended up charging us over $500 for a $35 part that was actually under warranty (found this out later).
The first time he had our car for nearly a week, and when we finally got it back, it wasn’t fixed at all—in fact, it had new problems! He told us to bring it back so he could correct the issue, and after having it for the entire day, he claimed there was no issue and would continue to “research it”. The moment I drove off the lot, the problem was worse than before with new issues!
I took the car to a different, more reliable place, an actual dealership, and they told me that the part was still under warranty (the part had a Volkswagen warranty of 15 years) and all that was needed was a simple sensor switch reset. The fix should have cost nothing!
Save yourself the headache and avoid this place at all costs. I would never trust Martel’s Foreign Car Service with my vehicle again.
Update: The owner calls 5 months after the second encounter, has not called a single time to offer to fix the issue, but rather he called to see if he can get the VIN and mileage off our vehicle cause he was charged 2x for the part and it was under warranty. When questioned about it the caller stated, "nevermind I didn’t think it was going to turn into all this" and hung up on me.
The vehicle was never actually fixed by Martel’s, came out of the shop with more issues than what it went in with, and on top of all of that, we paid over $500 to "replace a clock spring" that was under warranty! AND now, he has the audacity to call me asking for my VIN in mileage so he can get a refund?
Had to wait 2 1/2 weeks to get my car into their shop for valve cover gasket. I told them to replace the valve cover to an aluminum one, cause I know the plastics ones are brittle and warp. After they looked over my car and confirmed it was a bad gasket, they told me they could order the aluminum valve cover and it'll be there in a couple days BUT I'd have to wait another 2 weeks to get it put on. Why would I have to go to the back of the line when my car and the part is there? I couldn't wait another 2 weeks so I told them to just do the gasket. When I picked up the car a couple days later, the guy told me that I should look into getting the metal valve cover cause mine was looking a little warped.... So it was kinda pointless to pay to get this done if I'm going to have the same issue in a few thousand miles. Definitely wouldn't recommend if you need anything urgent done to your car.
Do not go here!!. I had a valve gasket replaced and BMW just showed it to me Martel service put on a cracked one and took my 1600.00 One I am a woman and black. They broke the Shaft trying to take it off.
This is a update after BMW looked over what was to be repaired in 2021 Martel was to do this repair that cost me $1,600 but what they did was they just mended it with something and charged me a fee like they had replaced it with a total new part and when I got to BMW I had to turn right around and actually replace it and play again.
When I first wrote my review I thought this place was exquisite. Until I had a real mechanic look over my car…Martel changed my oil, after driving my car for a bit from getting my oil changed from Martel's, my dash lit up. It was my oil pressure light. A real mechanic(that wasn’t martels) flushed my engine out and found the aluminum cap from one of the oil bottles Martels used, this cap was clogging my oil pump to the point where my engine almost seized. Causing my oil to turn into sludge. (Same timeline as oil change) I took my car to Martels to fix my wiper motor and head/tail lights. They wanted quadruple the amount it would’ve taken to fix it! Almost $1k for something that costs nothing to get done…I immediately got my car but, my car was taken apart for their “diagnostic” that they charged me for. I had to wait to pick up my car even though I called them ahead of time letting them know that I wanted my car back. Martels head mechanic told me too much personal information about one of the mechanic’s family members having cancer, almost as if this was a sales tactic to get money out of me, it was a very peculiar convo to have with one of your customers(me). They then delayed me from getting my car. They left my windshield in atrocious condition, it was filthy and disgusting. They gave me a bottle of window cleaner and paper towels from their bathroom to clean it off. I apologize to whomever I may have deceived by claiming that this was a exquisite auto shop. Their ambition is to get an abundance amount of money from people instead of actually doing their profession. I’d recommend picking up an addict off the street to work on your car, at least that person would have more than half a brain cell that Martels mechanics lack.
Useless. I wanted to give zero stars but I can’t. I’ve been here twice and each time they keep my car for 4 weeks or more. This last time they put a faulty part on the car and we’re going to charge me over $500 for a part that does not work because they can’t get a hold of where they purchased it from to return it. Not my fault! I asked them to remove the faulty part and put my original back on. Let’s see how long this will take. Once I pick up my vehicle I’ll never return. Next service I’m going to the dealership.
Update**** Picked my car up after requesting they put my original part back on after placing a defective actuator on the car. I took it to a new shop and come to find out
There was a few lines not connected. And the actuator they installed wasn’t the correct one.. think we got lucky it didn’t damage the wastegate.
Never take your car to them.! Worst mechanical service I have ever received from foreign auto repair shop.
SL600 Car was repaired over a 3 month period as parts delay ensued. Paid in full and hopefully repairs are as stated. Very Disappointed only to come home and find “Brake Release “ handle broken off and stuffed under driver seat.
It was Not broken nor missing and stuffed under the seat prior to dropping the Car off in June.
I wish only that someone would have said something and not just ignored it as such.
No...not even a 1 star review..after having my vehicle over 8 months..yes EIGHT months...I had my car towed ...nothing was done...waited hours to have my car released after I paid for a job I Did not need. After paying the parts and labor, my car was dragged out with what I can see was a rats nest sitting on my motor. (Pics are available) I had no communication, I had to be the one to contant with him..my car still not working..not running..still not running ..
Dated and overbooked ... at least a month out eventhough it doesnt seem like any work was going on at the location. This isnt unique to just them though. it seems to be a trend with local foreign car centers in central delaware. Best to send to dealerships and deal with the high prices.
Great and honest service. They never try to upsale you and quick to let you know if something is not needed which is always appreciated. Unlike the dealership service department. Will definitely continue to use. Thanks Shawn and Team!
Used them for years without a problem. Then I called for a 40k checkup. I looked in my records right before dropping the cat off and saw they'd performed that maintenance last time. So when I dropped the car off I told them that and to just perform an oil change. When I came to pick up my car, I discovered they ignored my request and did a 40k check up again bc that's what the boss wrote down to do. Nevermind they had it in the records they had done that last time and that I specifically asked them for just an oil change when I came in. Though it was their fault for not listening, they would not give me my car until I'd paid 500.00+ for a service I said not to do.
We have been taking our cars (Honda, Nissan) to Martel's for years. Sean does great work and is a honest mechanic that won't overcharge. Google says they are a Brakes and Tires shop but they do anything mechanical to any Make and Model car.
Do not use this business . They are not honest . I took my bmw . For oil leak and break pad . It still leaking since I left martel garage . They forgot to put my bmw engine top . So I have to go back . Next day . WhT a stupidiy . And dishonesty . I was charged top dollar for no service . Do not go there no
go there . iasked for my money back bcz the oil still leaking . They said it from other problem. What a lie . Screw you .
Took my BMW X5 in for ABS, traction control and brake lights on the dash. They diagnosed the issue right away. Will be back should I need any repairs in the future.
When I lived in Dover, this was the only place I would take my vehicle. Their a family run full auto repair shop business. They always took the time to explain what was wrong, and what needed to be done. Also their prices were reasonable. The only reason I don't go there now is I moved to maryland.
It does not get better than this, when it comes to independent car repair shops. Sean has owned and operated this place for years. I have had 6 Audis and do most of the work myself but when I can't I take it here and they are LIGHT YEARS more reasonable, and honest, than ANY Audi , BMW or VW dealer could even imagine. I can not recommend them enough.
TERRIBLE!!! I brought my car there to fix 3 problems, and received my car back with ONE issue PARTIALLY fixed. Had to bring the car back AGAIN three days layer to get the final repairs done (which should of been fixed the first time), just to turn around today and have the same issue!! Never again!! How!!?? How can I bring my car to get fixed just for the issues to keep happening, and the issues to get WORST!!! He wouldnt even let me bring my own parts. If I could give this place 0 stars I would!
$2000 in the hole for NOTHING!!!
Brought the car in for 1 code. Said the car was fixed. I had to bring the car back the next morning. The car has been here for a MONTH. PLEASE DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME or MONEY‼️‼️
Honest, straightforward mechanics that get the job done and do it well. Every experience I've had has been a positive one. I would definitely recommend these guys for your auto repair needs.
This small business owner tops any Franchise/Dealer owned garage in DE. This isn't your usual 'let's see how much money we can make' garage. This local Import Garage looks out not only for your vehicle but you as well. During a recent visit not only did Karl, the owner, recommend prioritizing the repairs in two stages to help with my budget, but not for the first time he cleared the cars' codes and asked me to drive the car for a few weeks after making the repair to see if perhaps that repair was all that was needed, instead of making a repair based on every code that he read.
The garage is equipped to make simple oil changes or more complicated repairs to high performance cars like my Mini Cooper S. I would recommend this garage to anyone who drives an Import Auto and feels it important to support not only the local economy but the small business owner as well, you won't be sorry.
In late 2009, I began receiving maintenance and repair at Martel's. The knowledge of vehicles and the function of their components; is as expansive, as the service rendered is superior. Integrity reigns, at Martel's Foreign Car Center. Lenwood
We have taken our vehicles to Martels since 2004. Karl and his staff are to be commended for the excellent work done at their business and for the extraodinary professionalism show to customers. As long as I own a vehicle and Martels Foreign Care center is around, that is where I will take my vehicles for servicing/repair.
Lee J Hill
Dover, DE
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