Zeigler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Downers Grove Serious overcharge in service Downers Grove Illinois

First, I will say that Paul and Eric in service were polite, despite my vocal dismay.  The positive ends there. 

My 2006 Town and Country would not start due to a sensor that left the computer believing the car was in reverse rather than park.  A quick google of the issue unveiled a common problem on the car and quickly told me it was a transmission range position sensor.  It was clear that Chrysler has dealt with this problem thousands of times. 

I called several local repair shops and was quoted $228-$264 for the repair and confirmed with each shop that this was likely the issue.

I contacted Zeigler service and asked for a quote to replace the sensor and was given a price of $272.00 for the repair plus the part which was $65.65.  I was also told that there would be a $99 diagnostic charge that would be credited to the repair at the end.  While the price was the highes of all the quotes, the car was located two blocks away and I felt Chrysler may be the best option......against my normal better judgment. 

I had the van towed on Saturday to Zeigler and was told they would look at it on Monday.  On Monday evening, I received a call advising me that the tech was still looking into the problem and would need another couple hours for the diagnostics and that the cost for diagnostics would now be $295, but that it would still be credited to the repair cost.  Remember, the quote was $272 plus the $65.65, and remember, I told them what was wrong with the car.  Reluctantly, again, I authorized them to do so as diagnostics would still be a wash. 

Tuesday they called me back and advised me that the issue was my Transmission Range Position Sensor (yes, the exact problem that I told them was the issue) and that the repair would be $775.00.  I asked if that is including the diagnostic that would be removed.  Nope.

Of course, at this time I was not happy and advised the rep to put the car back together and I would tow it out for someone else or myself to do the repair.  It was late in the day so on my quick return call, we agreed to leave the vehicle alone and connect in the morning.  Wednesday morning I received a voicemail that they were able to get the repair cost down to $536.  While this is still nearly double their estimate, from a convenience perspective I had them proceed. 

Thursday the vehicle was done, and when I went to pick it up, the bill was $668.  Yes, taxes and shop charges!  Shop charges of $30 dollars for which I was told is for towels.  Apparently Zeigler buys their shop towels at Nordstroms. 

Again, I paid more than double for a repair that was estimated at $272 plus parts.  Technicians have seen hundreds of this problem and it took no time to diagnose.

In my opinion the folks at Zeigler are crooks.  Granted they got me this time and squeezed me for an extra few hundred bucks.  However, poor Carlos is now losing out on the brand new Pacifica sale that my wife and I were going to purchase in October along with years of future patronage. 

I suggest that anyone that needs a repair done on their vehicle shop the website www.repairpal.com if you know what needs to be done.  They quote a guaranteed price from the shops nearby and will tell you who will do the repair at what price.