Having recently moved here from CO, I’d searched the... - T
Having recently moved here from CO, I’d searched the local area and beyond for a decent, highly rated Ford dealer service department here and around Carmichael, CA—but there were none to be found, none with recent, current ratings. I searched high and low and had almost conceded to SETTLING for a sub-par service experience, such as what I frequently experienced (and researched/read about) at numerous Ford dealer service departments in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas.
After continued research, I determined that distance wasn’t a major factor, within limits, and not necessarily a deal breaker. That’s when I learned about and decided on Rio Vista Ford, which is 61 miles away from where I live.
When I called and spoke to Branndon to set up an appointment—I’d read highly rated reviews about him already—I wasn’t disappointed by his knowledge, customer service, and overall attitude and conversation. Positive experience!
When the day came for me to actually drive to the dealership, I met Steve, the Owner. I didn’t know who he was, so I asked for Branndon, after which Steve told me he, himself, is the owner. Obviously, I was speaking with the right person, so I engaged with him regarding my 2017 F350, which I had brought in for its 67.5k service.
Steve and I had a lengthy conversation regarding my past dealer experiences for this truck—I purchased the 100k/72 months premium MX package from Ford when I bought the truck—and I explained to him why I drove so far to his dealership in Rio Vista. Steve then proceeded to explain what my purchased MX package included and how it fell far short and realistically included only the minimum required MX. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, knowing he was going to try to upsell me on some additional MX and associated $. I was right—in part. We talked at length, including what should’ve been done at 60k miles—or at least recommended by previous Ford dealers where I had the truck serviced—but was never even mentioned. After going through each MX item, line by line, deleting what I’d already paid for in my 100k service plan, I wholeheartedly told Steve to “do it, all of it.” Yes, it was gonna cost a relatively significant amount of $, but I figured—I KNEW—it was worth it, especially if it’d help me maintain and keep my truck for.... many years to come (part of the reason I bought this, my first diesel truck, in the first place).
Long story even longer, Steve gave me regular status updates as the mechanics were working on my truck—I waited in the lounge, since I’d travelled so far to have the truck maintained—which I very much appreciated. More positive experiences!
I forgot to mention Robert, who worked with me and Steve and typed up all the repair orders (there were several, including warranteed steering component items a previous Ford dealer didn’t address or mention at all, even after performing the minimum recall MX for a steering damper!) and explained what he, Steve and I had discussed and agreed upon. Branndon was exceptional, as well. Positive experiences again!
When all was completed, I engaged with all three men. Robert and Steve clarified and handled the repair orders, and Branndon and Steve dealt w/me regarding payment for services rendered. All, again, very positive.
I was running late—I explained my drop dead time to Steve at the beginning of the the day, and he said he’d do his absolute best to get everything done—and as we wrapped up everything, I was in a hurry to leave, because I had to be somewhere else. They’d completed everything we’d all discussed, but Steve asked if I had time to wait for them to wash the truck—about 15 minutes or so. I told him I didn’t have time and was already later than I wanted to be. He said he owed me and would take care of it next time.
There’s much more I could write, but this is already quite lengthy.
Suffice it to say, Rio Vista Ford’s service department is THE BEST SERVICE DEPARTMENT I’ve ever encountered and engaged with—and this in my many years of owning 10+ different trucks from ALL the pickup truck manufactures/dealers in the US, since my first Dodge in 1980. I finally came back to Ford, and along with this super capable F350 Super Duty and the simply OUTSTANDING service and experience here, I’d be a fool not to make this my chosen dealership now and in the future.
And so I have. Rio Vista Ford’s service department is THE PLACE to take your Ford for service. Period.
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