I was a satisfied customer at R Auto for approximately the past four years but due to a nightmare…read moreof an experience from Sept-Nov 2024, I will no longer be a customer and will explain why. When my Jeep Grand Cherokee broke down in Sep 2024, I debated taking it to the dealership or R Auto and I thought I was being wise and economical by choosing R Auto and going with the "local" shop. Today is 11/27/2024 and I can say that was a huge mistake...
On 9/28/2024, my vehicle was leaking coolant/oil and I called ahead and they invited me to bring it in. The vehicle was towed to R Auto on 9/30/2024. On 10/2/2024, I was told the oil cooler failed and was quoted $1,554 for a new oil cooler, not including any labor. I found the same oil cooler part on Jeep's official part's store (Mopar) for $590 and it shipped from Serra Jeep in Lake Orion, Michigan. They agreed to install it and it was delivered there on 10/7/2024. For the next 2-3 weeks, via multiple calls, I was given false promises on when they would do the repair. Finally, I was able to pick the car back up on 10/24/2024. They recommended and I agreed that I would come back on 10/29/2024 to do another coolant flush so I was put on the schedule for that. After paying the $1,500+ bill, I drove 20 miles home and when I got home, I noticed I have the same leak, actually worst, as when I brought it in (see photo). I called them immediately and they say they want to take another look and are "curious" about what went wrong. The vehicle is towed back on 10/25/2024. From 10/25/2024 to 11/21/2024, I call repeatedly (they never call you) to get an update, and I am told because of schedule / other customers, hunting season, etc. they have not had time to even look at it. This was especially frustrating because I already had an appointment scheduled on 10/29/2024 but they chose to cancel that. They have had absolutely no urgency with diagnosing nor correcting my vehicle after they gave it to me and it broke down in less than 20 miles. On 11/21/2024, the Owner says that he is trying hard to get it in the shop and he confirms he will call me when that is complete. I never got a call so yesterday (11/26/2024), I take time off of work (and borrow my mom's car) to go in-person and demand some answers. Surprisingly, I see a sign that says the shop is closed all week for an emergency so I call and they do pickup. I explain that, as far as I know, the car has not been looked at since being towed there on 10/25 (30+ days ago) and my patience has worn out & I want it towed to a different shop. I don't know if they are too busy, in over their head, or what, but I can no longer trust their words because they have shown repeatedly that they over-promise on schedule and under-deliver on taking action / making repairs by giving me back a vehicle that broke down or not working on it at all!! When I met the tow truck driver, someone in the shop came out and gave me the oil cooler in a box and my key. I am told that, they did take a look at the vehicle (and removed the oil cooler), likely after the 11/21 call, and figure that the oil cooler part I purchased was defective, however, they did not call to communicate this nor provide any other update to me like they said they would.
In summary, I hope my story helps folks out there considering R Auto. I would NOT recommend going here for ANY type of engine diagnosis or repair. In my experience, they prioritized other appointments over mine & when my vehicle broke down ~20 miles after they did do a repair, they did not show any effort or urgency to try and resolve that or improve my customer service experience with them. I have told them repeatedly that this is my only car and I have had to borrow vehicles from my family and neighbors to get by (~60 days now). I feel that I have given them too much patience and today was the day that I had to cut my losses, take my vehicle back, and move on. It's at the dealership now and if I could change the past, I wish I would have taken it there in the first place and not chosen R Auto.
Update (11/29/2024): According to the dealership, the oil cooler part is not defective & I had a coolant hose leak. I am picking up my vehicle later today!
