Rick's Automotive Service Inc.

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  jada thompson
2 months ago
Had more problems with my car than I thought, and they did an amazing job helping me with both great prices and efficient and friendly communication. They had to order parts unexpectedly, and they got the parts ordered and shipped really fast.

  Caleb McCarty
a month ago
Do not take your car here. If I could give zero stars I would, front desk lady was nice that is all. Was working out of town and didn t have the tools to change my brakes soI had them attempt to do it for me then they call me while I m at work and say I need new rotors and told me it would add another 450$ to the bill and I asked for pictures of it and they said they d send them and they never did. I just told them to put my car back together and I d worry about the brakes on my own time. When i get enough time to do the brakes my big Milwaukee impact cannot even turn the lugs loose and I have to use a breaker bar and I ve had to buy 2 more lug keys for my BMW bc they tightened themSo tight that it just rips the lug key to where it cannot be used again. Owner said we torque to spec I can assure you bmw spec torque would not be so much that it ruins every bmw lug key I put in it. To save you all the headache I am writing this review and saying DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLE HERE!!!

  Madigan Hoffman
3 weeks ago
One star is too much. This is the worst service I ve had of any kind in Champaign. The price went up twice, doubling the second time. My car was there from 8am to 6pm, an hour after closing, because I demanded my service was finished. I was also originally told my service would be done in 2 hours, which turned into 4, and then became 6 with a new found issue.UIUC students, do not go here. Do not find out how to get screwed over the hard way.

  Adam
6 months ago
I've got an older car that sometimes needs some help. After another local shop held it in their lot for a month and did no work on it, Rick's Automotive was able to diagnose the issue in a single day and complete work in 3 days.They were also quite flexible with my long working hours, communicating with me the entire process.They identified several other minor issues and quickly explained the things that had to be done for my safety and the longevity of the vehicle and what could be delayed until later.You can bring your cars to them and you will be in good hands, I'll be bringing mine back.

  Anita Mathew
4 months ago
I was driving through Champaign and had issues on the highway. I had trouble finding a repair shop that could look at my car so I can get to my destination by the end of day. Rick's said they would look at my car even if they were busy. They explained what they thought was the problem and got me to where I needed to go.

  Anna Slater
2 years ago
Do NOT use Rick's for repairs- here's the most brief version of events I can muster.TL,DR: Rick's charged us $500 and 5 visits in an attempt to fix a simple problem, instead break our car and leave us with another $1200+ of repairs at a dealer.History: We brought our Fiat 500X in to have it it looked at because a tail light wasn't working despite replacing the bulb.1st Visit: We brought the car in at 8 am, we requested an update so we knew when to come get the car (we are a one car family, so this was important since we have to take a bus to and from the repair place). At 11 AM, we tried to call for an update- the phones were down. Same problem at 1 PM and 3 PM. Finally found an email and asked them what was going on, they responded they had "just looked" at our car and that we'd have to come pick it up and schedule a new day for repairs. All that seemed standard. They charged us $105 for looking at the car, but assured us they would take that off our next charge if we chose to come back. I asked for that in writing to be safe.2nd Visit: We brought the car in on the scheduled day at 8 AM. We communicated that we were going out of town that weekend and needed it fixed by a certain day, they said no problem. At 12 PM they called to say the parts were not in (they told me they were the day before and the morning of), we'd need to bring it in later.3rd Visit: The parts were in and they "fixed" the problem, but said that we'd still have to take it to a Fiat dealer to clear the warning light. 2 separate people assured us multiple times that the light itself was fixed, that the only problem was the warning light was on. When we picked it up, instead of getting a "left turn signal out" we now had: All 3 brake lights out, and a backup light on the RIGHT side. And, the left side was NOT fixed. We took pictures and emailed the manager, expressing our frustration. Our trip was the next day, and it was over labor day weekend so we could not get a rental car in time to leave. Also, the cars that they claim are "sanitized" after each visit was left with multiple pieces of trash including a used water bottle, and reeked of second hand smoke.4th Visit: the Manager calls us after seeing a (now deleted) negative review. He made an unconvincing apology for the problems, saying "that's not acceptable but it's how it is" multiple times. He was clearly angry that we had posted a review. When we came to pick the car up this time, they said they had found the problem - a short in the wire leading from the left tail light was causing the error message and the problems with the left light. But after spending "hours" diagnosing that problem, we'd have to bring it back again to actually have it rewired.After this visit, suddenly our 4WD stopped working. This had never been a problem before.5th (final) Visit: We brought the car in again, hoping the shorted wire was the source of all the problems. They attempted to rewire the supposedly shorted wire, but it fixed nothing. They told us we had to bring it to a dealer, there was nothing they could do.Finally, we brought our car to a dealer today. Rick's had left an exposed wire (no pigtails or anything) leading from the left tail light to the module in their attempt to rewire it. The mechanic at the dealer was shocked that they had left it like that. Rick's malpractice possibly led to a problem with the internal power transfer which led to 4WD no longer working - this will be a $1000+ repair for the part and labor at the dealer, in addition to rewiring to fix Rick's mistake.Please, for the sake of your car, your safety, and your wallet, avoid Rick's at all costs.

  Amogh Pandey
7 months ago
Emeka and the team are very knowledgeable and helpful. I ve brought both of my German cars here multiple times and they always take care of me.They are also very accommodating and always find time to fit me in their busy schedule.

  lucas mccarty
4 months ago
I had a great experience and will continue to use them! I appreciate the honesty and hard work that was put in to my vehicle.

  Darya Shahgheibi
11 months ago
Transmission & Clutch Repair 2007 Mini Cooper. The staff at Ricks is very professional and know their craft. They turned my situation from a used lemon bought car to a good quality running car! I recommend them hands down no questions asked these folks are the Truth!

  Benjamin Reidys
2 years ago
The Good:I came in needing an oil change and a window repair. Which they successfully completed. They also pointed out a different issue that I will have another shop fix.The Bad:They have pretty outrageous prices. It is very difficult to get a quote from anyone since they "don't know exactly what your problem is", but I will say that there is at least one honest shop that does. After I got the quote from Rick's on the repairs I was shocked. The additional issue would have required removing the engine and fixing some parts. However, they seemed to be applying labor for each part individually as if they had to put the car back together between adding parts (which, to my knowledge of the issue is not required...). I called around and managed to find another shop that would have done the same repairs for less than half the labor cost of Rick's. I ended up having them complete the window repair since having them not do it and then paying their diagnostic fee would have been more expensive, but am opting to look elsewhere for the engine issues.TLDR; Call around after you get your quote from them, it may be cheaper to go to another shop and pay them the diagnostic fee. That being said I would recommend looking elsewhere.

  alexander barclay
4 years ago
I've been going to Rick's for about 6 years for service on my Audi and Chevy, before and after new management took over. I consistently received the highest quality service at a fair price. The staff is friendly, patient, professional, and honest. They never proceed with any repairs without consulting with me first, which is always appreciated and not my experience with several other mechanics as well as Audi and Chevy dealerships. Unfortunately, I am leaving town and will once again have to find a trustworthy mechanic. Otherwise, I would not take my cars anywhere else for routine service and unexpected repairs.

  Marilyn
a year ago
I had used Ricks years ago, when they were excellent. New owners now and they managed a few oil changes for me ok during the pandemic. Then after the most recent oil change and tire rotation, one tire was missing a lug nut. I took it back and they said it needed a bearing replacement on that wheel, which I authorized (it s an older car, so it sounded reasonable). After that it was making an odd noise so I paid Toyota for an assessment ($199) and the found not only had Rick s not used the right lug nut, they had done some $500 worth of other damage in that wheel area and recommended I take it back and get it corrected.At this point I was not about to let Rick s touch my car again, so I had Toyota fix it. An expensive lesson!Services: Tire rotations, Oil change

  Jack Badalamenti
a year ago
Rick's is quick and efficient. The staff were personable and answered all my questions in addition to making quality repairs at a low cost. This is one of those auto shops that gives you honest and quality work.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, BrakesServices: Auto engine diagnostic, Brakes

  Deanne Sims
a year ago
Excellent work done on my vehicle at a very fair cost. Employees are very courteous and friendly. They know their stuff and finished with my car when they said they would...No issues since. Thanks to all of you there. You have my business forever.Service: Engine repairService: Engine repair

  Shraddha Shirguppe
2 years ago
I had been to Rick's a few months ago to get an oil change. But my car's sensor kept showing that I needed to change oil within 3 months of the service. When I reached out to Rick's again they were very nice about it and checked the car and even replaced the oil for free! I really like their service. They're professional and considerate. I'd recommend them for sureService: Oil change

  Tim Sutyak
2 years ago
I was recommend to go hear from another mechanic for some engine problems on 2007 BMW 328. They were very down to earth but also professional. They know there stuff, charged a reasonable price for the work, and were quick to work me in. The mechanic even spent some extra time giving me some pointers on how to best take care of my care. Really appreciate their care and expertise.

  Allie Muisenga
3 years ago
Came in after reading some reviews because my car s AC no longer blows cold, they squeezed me in despite appearing full and got me out in 30-45 minutes. Problem wasn t able to be fixed but they tried everything and told me what needed to be done, cost, and ways to make it cheaper if needed. Labor was super cheap considering the prices I m used to and Josh was very straightforward and helpful. It s really frustrating to go to car places and get the run around on things they want to or could do to your car and Rick s doesn t seem to be about that. Really appreciated their kindness and service especially from the man who seemed to own the place.Only annoying thing was how confusing it is to find the place (same building as the Euro Motors but other side) but obviously that s not their fault. The price, quality of customer service, and attentiveness was fantastic and I will be using them again.

  Carla Campbell
2 years ago
I brought my 2011 Audi into Ricks for repairs. I has a great experience. The price was fair and the work was done in a timely manner considering how busy they are. Im trying to understand the bad reviews posted here. Ive been going here for years with no bad experience. I def will continue to bring my vehicles to Ricks.

  Emily Zorn
4 years ago
After many instances of being taken advantage of by various mechanics, I was nervous when found out that I needed new brakes. I decided to try out Rick's, and I was very glad I did. They are there to fix your car, not to pressure you into spending money you don't need to spend. The only negative of the whole experience was a miscommunication about when the car would be ready. Besides that, I was very pleased with the service and the final product. I would definitely recommend trusting Rick's with your automotive needs.

  Charlie Newman
4 years ago
Rick s changed hands in the last year or so. The old team was excellent, and I m pleased to say the new guys are as well!As other reviewers have said, they are great about doing what needs done. There are some garages that will always try to get you to do the most expensive repair possible, even if a cheaper fix would do the job- Rick s will tell you what you actually NEED to get done (and do it well). The guys at the old Rick s kept my older car safe and running without me going broke, and it seems like the new team will do the same!

  Adriana Romero
a year ago
If you want to fix something related to electricity don't go there. I read a similar review but I decided to give it a try anyway, believing that being a minor problem it would be easy to solve, but I was wrong, the weren't able to fix it. In my first visit I explained an employee what the issue was (brake lights were not working and the left turn light was not blinking) , he took note of it, and I arranged an appointment for the diagnosis. The same day of the appointment they called and told me that the problem was solved, I then picked up the car without checking (bad decision). As soon as I got home I realized that they didn't do anything to the car, they just checked the car computer. The next business day I went to ask why they told me the issue was fixed but it wasn't, they responded that they never checked the lights. So they just replaced the bulbs. After paying $200 I still have the turn light problem with the addition of another bulb burned.Service: Electrical

  Douglas Sears
6 years ago
I've done business with Rick's for over 20 years and they have been nothing but excellent. They give you the truth about what is needed and would never mislead or replace items that weren't needed. Honesty above reproach combined with one of the best if not the best mechanic in a 300 mile radius. Their labor rates are very reasonable and if you don't believe me, call the dealership of whatever car you own and compare labor rates. I find the one star ratings to be suspect honestly.

  Anthony Groenewold
4 years ago
I have brought my 1991 Volvo to Rick's several times for all kinds of work, from oil changes to a leaky fuel line. The work has always been completed in a timely manner, often same-day. The work is also of good quality; I've never had any repeat issues with jobs that they've done. The people are very personable, and the mechanics are happy to explain what was wrong with the car and how they fixed it.

  vasiliy smith
a year ago
Very fast diagnoses and repair issue. Got my clutch replaced and they found the issue within a few hours, and had the entire car fixed within 2 days. Excellent service

  Heather T
5 years ago
I m so pleased with the experiences I ve had here. I trust Rick and team to do quality work. They have replaced some major components of my vehicle for a lot less than I would have paid at the Mercedes dealership. Service is no frills and I have to get my own ride home rather than ride a shuttle, but it s worth it to save hundreds if not more! Thanks Rick and team!

  Jackson Ohanian
3 years ago
Misdiagnosed a leak and only found the correct issue after 600$ in work, then wanted more to fix the actual problem.Waiting on a response, but seems they just wanted to do the job they could pull the most $ on whether it was actually the issue or not.Follow up -After being contacted, I was walked in circles and told I should have got a second opinion to be sure of the work offered. Thanks Rick s, was hoping your opinion would be good enough but your own employees don t seem to think it is.This is 2 weeks pay for me gone, thanks Rick.Reply to response -Rick, I m not complaining about the lack of work on the pump, I m complaining because what should have been a $200 job turned into a $600 one with your misdiagnosis.Very poor faith effort to wash over your mistakes and mislead customers about my review, Rick.

  Leroy Kendricks
8 months ago
I got a prepurchase inspection and they found things that needed to be addressed. They took care of the essentials and my van runs great now. I trust them.

  Zach Thomas
10 years ago
Rick did a fantastic job of doing a transmission replacement on my 2000 Saab 9-5. He sourced a good, used gearbox and replaced it quickly, while also addressing other problem areas on the car and installing aftermarket parts that I provided. His pricing is very fair and he is honest about when your car will be ready.Rick's shop is the only one in town that really deals with European and/or obscure makes of cars, so if you have a BMW, Audi, Porsche, Saab, etc., this is the best place to take it in the region.

  Randall Wagoner
2 years ago
Took on way to many projects after some of their mechanics quit. I booked an appointment a month or two out only to have my vehicle sit for an entire week without even being touched. That would be fine if I understood that was expected. However I was told it would be a 2 day job. No calls, updates, or explanation; only excuses on how their business was under preforming. When I picked up my car a week later, the majority of parts i need installed were still in my trunk. 5th dimension corrected and finished installation in 2 days at their 2nd facility.2 star because my first experience there months before was great. This last one was with out a doubt the worst experience I've ever had anywhere. Especially with mechanics. I've had a few projects cars and have been self employed for 11.5 years with a local business here in champaign. If you have a guy... stick to him

  C
4 years ago
I have had such an amazing experience with Josh and Pete at Rick's Automotive. They provide quality work, dedication, and put in extra hours to get me my car asap. They provide honest quality work and are very upfront. They are the best shop I have been to in the Champaign Area