A simple diagnostic request to find misfire culprit. Three hours of labor at 96/hr later and they are still confused. No test plan, no methodology and no regard for customer's pocketbook. Their offer to replace parts blindly along the way was the thing I was looking to avoid by bringing in for ""professional"" diagnostic. Not only did they not follow a diagnosis through from a to b (jumped from spark plug wires to fuel filter back to ignition coil) but then when they found something that needed replacement (they claim) they wanted $400 for a $100 part and 1/2 hours labor.
Gary is willing and able to b.s. you if you don't know slightly more than him about cars. He also struggles with basic physics. When I first brought my car in he struggled with a concept that even made Jim (shop's namesake) wince in embarrassment.
I wince to think of how far over the coils my neighbor, who offered his friendly recommendation for Ward's, is getting raked over the coils with his german sports car. I pity the guy for buying into the ""Grin at you while we clumsily stumble about your car at $100/hr"" philosophy that is king at Ward's. No wonder every other customer there that I saw was an old man lost in the 50's when customer service and honesty meant something -- an illusion they clearly buy into at Ward's service.
If you value your hard earned money, and don't want to be bull-sh***ed while you're at it -- AVOID WARDS.
edit: I forgot to mention that when I went to pick up my car the woman who took my money had so much personality it stung. If I recall correctly it was ""Here's your keys, your car is out back you can go get it.""
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