It killed me everyday looking at the damage I had done earlier this summer. You know something so minor that could have been avoided, but once the damage was done, it was too late? FML. I had this guilty conscience building up and even worse because the car has low profile tires and is dropped over an inch, I literally drove and sat through hearing the scraping on asphalt and cement day after day for months. Quite the torture to endure. The side rocker panel on the passenger side of my Bimmer 335i looked like a Great White Shark took a big ass bite out of it. Parts do not come cheap on this car and I needed to find a resolution quick before my conscience ate me alive.
After months of inquiries and run arounds, I finally came across RJ's Auto Body on Yelp. I was so ready to get this done and done right. You never know what to expect, just hoping that you don't get ripped off like so many do. Wednesday morning I had my oral surgery scheduled, so I walked in the shop already pressed for time, but I was open to seeing what RJ could do for me. Mind you, I had two other places recommended to me that I was going to get estimates from after this spot. From the jump, I had a good vibe from RJ. Friendly, smiley, and focused. I pointed out the damage, let him know I wasn't going to do any insurance funny business, and mentioned I would need it done ASAP. RJ quickly reciprocated and agreed they didn't do any funny biz there. Alright cool. After evaluating the condition of the part, he got on his cell phone to see how soon he could get it in from BMW. I was really appreciative of his positive energy and willingness to help me out the best he could. The part could get to his shop as soon as the next day (Thursday) and fixed by Friday afternoon. Wow! Already was I experiencing fast and efficient service, but let's play Bob Barker's the Price is Right.
After a very brief pit pat on the keyboard, an estimate was printed out and handed to me, itemized and all- no hidden fees. I'll never have a pleasant face looking down at what it costs for a car part. I even hate paying for gas, but I guess who does? I had a pretty good idea of what range his price fell under. Not cheap and not expensive, just fair and honest. RJ explained his plan of action and continuously assured that the job will be done and I would be taken care of. There was a confidence in his tone of voice that I took seriously and eye contact was definitely there. He wasn't playing any games and he was down to get the work accomplished if I was willing to move forward. I kindly let him know I was going to check out a couple more places, he gave me his cell phone so I could follow up and I went on my way.
Before the surgery I needed to hit up the gym and before that, I stopped by another auto body shop on Walnut (I won't name the place to help keep their integrity), as well as called in for an estimate over the phone from a place in Glendale. Both were very nice and professional, but surprisingly, both estimates from these shops were a few dollars shy of each other and at least 150% over the estimate RJ gave me.
Wow, I was really shocked. For how much business these shops get, I suppose it's a numbers game for them regardless how many generations they've been in business. That really makes RJs Auto Body stand out and I respect the integrity that RJ upholds even more so.
Making my final decision at the gym, I text RJ to let him know I was going to stop by again to drop off a deposit. He promptly responded back and let me know that the part would be in the very next morning. Excellent service! I hurried my ass to his shop, gave him a deposit and off I went to get teeth extracted.
Post-surgery (Thursday), swollen as fudge, I text RJ to see when he would like for me to drop my ride off on Friday, so I could make further arrangements. Again he promptly responded "Hello there! Sure I'm here for you! ...8am okay for you?" I let him know I wasn't in any rush, but that sounded good and he mentioned, "Afternoon will be fine for pickup." Are you kidding me? I am more and more impressed with the effort RJ makes. Finally someone who's not all talk and could walk the walk.
Today (Friday) 8am, looking like a blown up cartoon hamster minus the hair- not cute, I dropped the car off and two hours later received a text including photos of the finished work from RJ, "Your vehicle is ready for pickup." Unbelievable. What an amazing and impressive auto body shop. I have never enjoyed the experience of getting a car fixed. Truly happy. When I got there, the car was bright white and clean. RJ went above and beyond, washing my car and taking care of minor scratches. Astonished.
The most professional & impressive auto body shop (can't say it enough) you'll come across and def worth the time to meet RJ. Guaranteed he'll do an excellent and consistent job. Real positive and quality person who goes the extra mile for you. Other shops should set their standards as high as RJ's does. read more