My initial contact with this store was to inquire if they would install tires purchased from TireRack and they said they would.
Along with the tire install, I also requested a "non-stock" (more negative camber) wheel alignment, which they happily did. Later, (when switching from "summer" tires to the "winters") I noticed the tire mounting left 2 small marks on the inside of each wheel, which was OK, I guess. If the marks were on the outside of the wheels, I would have been very unhappy.
Having said that, there has always been a problem getting my wife's Grand Cherokee serviced correctly (the Jeep dealers nearby are horrible), so I thought I give this store a try and initially, results were pretty good for minor service.
When a Michelin LTX tire failed after about 30k miles (the LTX lasts practically forever) and could not be repaired, I immediately checked TireRack to view tire tests and selected a Bridgestone with high ratings. I noted the price and presented it to Firestone, they offered to match the price and as a bonus, the tires were in stock. (No need to wait for shipment.) Things were looking really well.
My problem is that soon, the up selling and overcharging began.
Like most vehicles, the Jeep requires major servicing every 30k miles including fluid changes to the front, center and rear differentials. I specifically requested "regular" lubricants, not synthetics (which cost more and are not mentioned in the Jeep service recommendations).
Instead, synthetics were installed along with limited slip differential fluid in the front center and rear diffs. The Jeep doesn't have limited differentials. Would that hurt the clutches in the differentials ?
When I saw the invoice, I immediately called to have the synthetics removed and "regular" lubricants installed. The store agreed to do so, first thing in the morning and at no charge. A refund was provided.
My wife was inconvenienced and late for work, but they made it right. After all, anyone can screw up, and we thought we'd give them another chance.
Later, I found a few small drips of anti-freeze (or power steering fluid ?) in the garage. An oil change was due, so I requested the fluid drips be looked at (a pressure test perhaps ?).
I later received an urgent call informing me that the water pump, thermostat & timing cover gaskets needed replacement along with a power steering hose for a total of $728.93. They could do it that day. I declined.
When the Jeep got home, I noticed a newer (a bit too big) hose clamp installed on the upper radiator host at the thermostat outlet and checked it for "snugness".
I haven't seen anything on the garage floor since and I've never gone back.
I should say, this happened before I started "Yelping" and perhaps they've changed.
Why a 2 star rather than a 1 ? Well, they made it right with the fluid changes, did OK on the tires and alignment, and I never permitted that $728.93 "work" to be performed.
Their greed lost this customer and gained this review. read more