Rick's Automotive, Inc

I took my truck here prior to a trip for Thanksgiving weekend. That trip did not happen because of Ricks. I explained I have a cam shift position sensor code. Super common on a f-150 of this year. I dont want to pull the valve cover myself and replace as i am very busy. I travel a lot for work so the plan was I would leave it with them and when flying back I would pick up the truck and go on this family trip. The sales guy called several times with updates and that is when i got extremely suspicious; They suggested turbo replacements because an underboost code, in which i explained this was a normal code when a cam shaft position sensor code was present. Replace the cam shaft position sensor and that code would go away. Also, both boosters produced 20psi, sounded perfect, and under warranty (i replaced them with OEM myself along with exhaust manifolds). Why is an "experienced" mechanic suggesting this? Big red flags at this point. I flew back home and picked up the truck. I asked them if they did a test drive and said yes, 12 mile test drive. Great I thought and loaded up my 2 year old son in his car seat and proceeded home. I noticed some burning oil smell and didnt think much of it as pulling the valve covers can get oil outside the engine and burning off some residualoil is common. As soon as I got home smoke was barrelling out from the hood. The valve cover was pouring oil directly onto the turbo exhaust (see attached photos), which is the #1 cause for these trucks to catch on fire (google it). I called ricks and they said another shop previously caused my issue and a head replacement would be needed. The previous shop repairs in that area was 40k miles ago with no issues. Im thinking 12 mile test drive? No issues? IMPOSSIBLE! I canceled my Thanksgiving plans, pulled the valve cover and found the issues they caused. I was able to fix it very easily, but removing and reinstalling these valve covers takes time. Conclusion: Ricks is mailing me a $300 check for my trouble after a $1,200 bill. I am happy to accept this as i will forgoe the full amount and not have to sign anything and write this to warn others. My other option was to take them to small claims court as I have all the videos to support my claim. They lied about the test drive, they lied about what the truck needed, and they put me and my child into a potential death trap. What if i didnt know anything about vehicles? Would i be 4 or 5k in the hole with still a broken vehicle? Luckily I ran my own shop and I am extremely mechanically inclined. Not everyone has that upper hand. Please, I beg you dont get taken by Ricks Automotive. Also the $300 "diagnostic" charge is just ridiculous. -response to Ricks response of my review: how is that my truck runs perfectly now that I have fixed this massive oil leak when absolutely nothing was done that you guys suggested? This includes the turbos, wiring and all. Do you want me to take you on a test drive in it? I only posted a small part of what you did incorrectly. I can post the full videos on YouTube and attach a link if that is better for you. If your stance is you can blame a previous mechanic for anything, then why not just decline work on an older vehicle? You dont want to take any liability but happy to take money and blame others.

I have been using Rick's Automotive for a few years now. They have always treated me right, been super patient with all my request, and they will continue to be my choice. I never have to worry about their work. Their prices are reasonable and they are much faster than the dealership. Eric is the tech I normally work with. It's important that I have the same tech. Other then the daily driver I am a firm believer in your tech being the second most knowledgeable person about your car. Customer service is phenomenal. It's also a clean shop. It's one of the few shops I don't get a wave of burnt oil, old grease, and spilled gasoline. I love the smell but it can be overwhelming to some. Also top notch job making such a dirty job look so clean.

I have used Rick's for several years now and have been treated fairly and honestly. I have never felt that I was being lied to about the work needed on my Jeep or my Dodge Ram. I have been lied to by other shops so being treated honestly is important to me. They don't talked down to me and explain what is going on in layman's terms. I will continue to use Rick's for all my mechanical needs.