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August 2024 by Kathryn J.
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?
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August 2024 by Billy Lewis
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.
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October 2023 by T Harris
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 outThere 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.
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October 2023 by Ralph Schmidt
Hopefully they will fix my car
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September 2023 by ME Cowan
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.Service: Steering & suspension repair
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August 2023 by Rosa Elvia
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 ..
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August 2023 by Dimitri
Great first impression! They did a great job and they gave us a great deal. They know what they’re talking about and were very helpful. Very good customer service would recommendServices: Transmission
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August 2023 by Vaman Patel
Very knowledgeable people. Great work, great prices, slightly long turnover but it didn’t matter because they are great at fixing BMWs!
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August 2023 by Karyn Stant
Great customer service. Honest, fair prices. Quality work you can trust!
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August 2023 by Gene Jones
They checked over the car , drove it and couldn't find anything wrong with it. Didn't even charge me. Class A shop
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July 2023 by Robert Njoku
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.
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June 2023 by maddie kline
Always satisfied with their service and knowledge. Have taken my VW's there for many years.
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May 2023 by Darkness TA392
Only shop that works on our porsche truck, glad we found them
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January 2023 by keith white
Awesome service and very nice people. Will continue to service my vehicle here!!!!
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September 2022 by allen ray
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!
