My experience with Ellsworth Ford, and Larry Anderson... - derricks
My experience with Ellsworth Ford, and Larry Anderson (President) was one of the worst experiences I've had in dealing with auto service. I had brought my Lincoln LS (with under 100,000 miles) in for a routine service: an oil change, diagnostics on the cruise control, and diagnostics on the shift solenoid (would sometimes not shift from 3rd to 4th gear). These were, or so I thought, fairly safe and simple tasks. I drove my vehicle in to Ellsworth Ford and dropped them off the keys. I returned an hour later, and was informed that they were still working on the vehicle. As I sat in the lobby waiting area, I could hear what sounded like a very rough running tractor turning over and not starting. When I asked what the loud noise was, the attendant informed me that it was my vehicle and it wasn't starting. I immediately told them to stop whatever they were doing, and before they did anything further they were to ask my permission. Shortly thereafter, the manager on duty (Larry Anderson) came out and asked me what my problem was. I informed him that when I wanted to know exactly what happened to my vehicle, why it's no longer running, and what was going on. He then informed me that they were trying to diagnose the problem as to why it wasn't running. He did not understand the fact that I had not brought it in for engine issues, and that I had driven it in with absolutely no engine or mechanical issues. Larry then informed me that I had two options, I could either: Pay them to diagnose/repair the engine Have them push it out of the shop and have it towed away at my expense I then informed him that neither of those options worked for me, and that I expected him to work with me to resolve this issue. His response included calling me stupid, and kicking me out of his dealership. I then phoned the police, and informed them of the incident. They came, and spoke to Larry (who had my vehicle in his shop still) and ended up pushing the vehicle out of the shop. No citations were given due to the civil nature of the complaint. I then had to pay a flatbed towtruck to come and tow my vehicle to a local mechanic in Ellsworth. A few days later, I was given the diagnosis that the engine was no longer good. I then had to pay for another tow back to my house (30 miles 1 way). The car has sat in my garage (not running) since. I drove my vehicle in to have a diagnosis on several minor, non-mechanical issues and end up with a ruined engine. It's very shocking to me how I can go from having a Lincoln LS with under 100k miles, that was running perfectly, and had been taken great care of, to having the engine ruined while in their care, and later have it pushed out of their shop at my expense like a piece of trash. Larry Anderson and Ellsworth Ford had made little to no effort in making this right for us. They refused to fix, pay for, or partially pay for the cost to repair the engine. Larry has been anything but helpful, respectful, or professional. My experience at Ellsworth Ford was something that I hope nobody else goes through. I would HIGHLY WARN anyone who decides to either have their vehicle serviced at Ellsworth Ford, or buy a vehicle from Ellsworth Ford simply because of how Larry Anderson had treated me, a valuable customer. My faith in Ford Dealers is not lost, however. I actually purchased another Lincoln from the Eau Claire, WI Ford Dealership and had an absolute wonderful experience. When I had informed them of my Ellsworth Ford/Larry Anderson experience, they were appalled. I would highly recommend anyone to be VERY cautious of Ellsworth Ford, go somewhere else that is BBB accredited, has positive reviews, and values their customers. Ellsworth Ford and Larry Anderson certainly do not. Good luck.
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