1-Star Review -- B&B Auto Center (Spring Grove, IL)
If I could give zero stars, I would.
My experience with B&B Auto Center was an absolute nightmare from start to finish. The level of rudeness, dishonesty, lack of communication, and flat-out incompetence I dealt with over nearly FOUR MONTHS is unbelievable.
Timeline of Their Incompetence
My 2015 Audi A3 broke down on August 25, 2025. I called at 1pm for a diagnosis -- they didn't bother calling back until 3pm. They claimed it was a bad timing chain but couldn't give me a price because they "had to call around."
The next day, after more chasing, I was quoted:
- $1,275 labor
- $2,900 for the timing chain
When I said that was too high, I was told, "I'm not comfortable putting aftermarket parts on an Audi." My car already had aftermarket parts. Suddenly, on September 2nd, they "found" a timing chain on eBay for $883 and said it was coming from Germany. I was forced to put down a $1,000 deposit before they'd even touch the car.
I delivered the deposit, plus oil, an oil filter, an oil plug, and coolant.
Weeks of Excuses, No Work Done
The part arrived September 15th. I called constantly and got nothing but excuses. On October 22nd, I was suddenly told my camshaft was broken and quoted $2,386. I found the same parts myself for $440 and had to ask for a picture just to confirm the match. When I tried to drop the parts off on October 31st, they had closed early without notice.
More weeks passed. No progress. No communication. No accountability.
When I asked for a loaner because I was missing work, I was told it would be $50 per day.
False Promises & More Delays
On November 21st, I was told the car would be done that day. It wasn't. Then I was told Saturday. Saturday came -- no answer. Monday came -- another excuse ("the mechanic was sick").
Finally Got My Car Back -- December 19th
After NEARLY FOUR MONTHS, I finally got my car back after paying $4,404.14.
They returned it with barely enough gas to reach the Mobil station down the street.
Unauthorized Charges
Here's what they charged me WITHOUT EVER discussing or approving it:
Parts ($852.43):
- Engine variable valve - $198.49 x2
- Engine timing cover - $247.00
- Spark plugs - $119.00
- Heater control valve - $286.11
Labor:
- Timing chain R&R - $1,680.00
- Oil pan/gasket R&R - $210.00
- Valve cover gasket R&R - $420.00
- Radiator hose R&R - $273.00
The ONLY pricing ever discussed upfront was the timing chain and $1,275 labor. Everything else was added behind my back.
And the Car Was STILL Returned in Worse Condition
On the drive home, I immediately felt a wobble in the front end. Once I got it into my garage, I found:
- Leaking hood lift
- Heat shield falling off
- A WOOD SCREW stuck into my radiator cover
- Driver-side doors misaligned
- A poorly touched-up paint chip
- Driver-side wiper twisted
After four months, thousands of dollars, and endless excuses, they returned my car in worse shape than when it was picked up read more
