In April, a drivetrain malfunction asserted in my BMW. The code soon cleared, but I needed an oil change & decided to find a mechanic. Buckley's had good reviews, so I went in, described the situation & informed them about the now-cleared code. I told them to proceed with the oil change & if they were able to identify the drivetrain malfunction to let me know, otherwise not to worry about the code.
The next day, they called & said the oil change was done & they had diagnosed the drivetrain malfunction as a wastegate actuator deviation. When I came in, they gave me a $398 bill. I ask how I was getting charged so much for an oil change, & the rep stated $197 was for a "Level 2 system analysis" with another $191 of charges in parts. The parts, he said, were part of a standard kit w/an Oil Filter ($32), a Cabin Air Filter ($67), & an Air Filter ($45). He said it was normal to do these with an oil change. Also, I stated I was unfamiliar with a "waste gate actuator", so the rep condescendingly described a turbo wastegate. The recommendation was a wastegate actuator replacement & a computer relearn & the cost would be around $900 (on top of the $398). I told them I would take their advice under consideration. Reluctantly, I paid the $398.
I am active duty military & the next week I left on a 3 month temporary assignment. After returning in July, the car's code reasserted & it went into limp mode. I decided to take Buckley's advice. I let the rep (Scott) know I'd like the wastegate actuator replaced per their recommendation. I dropped the car off. A few days later, Scott stated they had done the replacement, but it hadn't fixed the problem. He said the car would now need a full turbo replacement, but there was good news, the work they just performed only cost me around $750 ($526 for labor), not $900. He said they would've had to do the wastegate actuator anyway with a complete turbo replacement, so really I'm not out much money. Perplexed, I told him not to replace the turbo; I'd pick the car up & consider my options. Back at the shop, I ask a different Buckley's rep (Anthony, he was a really nice guy actually) what the cost of the turbo would be. He said he'd take my email address & get back to me. Reluctantly again, I paid $748.
I didn't hear anything from Buckley's over the next week, so I called, again requesting the estimate. They said they'd email it right over, but I received no correspondence. Busy with work, I gave it another few weeks & called again at the end of July. The rep (Anthony) stated he'd email the estimate (and yes I checked my junk folder). Again, nothing. I thought about calling & complaining, but since I'd been ignored 3 times already, I decided to take my business elsewhere. To clarify, I'd basically given them $1147.03 for an oil change since nothing was fixed.
Finally, on 6 August, Scott emailed me, apologized for the delay and said their estimate for the cost of the turbo replacement (parts+labor) was around $2300. At this point, I cut my losses and contacted another BMW mechanic.
I described the situation to the new mechanic & ask his estimate for a turbo replacement. $1500 for a complete turbocharger replacement (BMW parts plus labor). I also ask his thoughts on Buckley's initial recommendation to replace the wastegate actuator. He said it was peculiar, but since it was only a "$150 fix" maybe it would've been worth a shot. I told him what Buckley's charged me ($750) & he was stunned...his quote was, "I wish I could charge those prices."
Either way, the new mechanic was honest, he replaced the turbo for $1500 & now the car is running fine.
Here are my issues w/ Buckley's:
* $197.33 for a "level 2 system analysis" that wasn't specifically requested (on top of $191.20 for "parts" for an oil change).
* The rep I dealt with in April was condescending when I inquired about the fees & the wastegate(may have been the manager...Greg maybe?)
* They misdiagnosed the turbo issue. I guess the "level 2 system analysis" I didn't order failed to serve its purpose.
* Upon realizing they had improperly diagnosed the turbo issue, they made no attempt to remove any of the $750 in charges for the failed waste gate actuator replacement.
* I had to request an estimate on the complete turbo replacement 3 times, & it took almost a month to get that information.
One positive note, both Anthony & Scott were very professional each time I dealt with them.
So, bad on me for allowing myself to be taken advantage of. But bad on Buckley's for poor business practices. Overall, I gave this business $1147.03 for an oil change (which I requested), an air filter & Cabin Air Filter (didn't request), a level 2 system analysis (didn't request), & a wastegate actuator replacement (that didn't fix anything).
Bottom line, I do not recommend Buckley's Auto Care. I can't do anything about the money I've given them, but hopefully this review will save someone else some time and hard-earned money. read more