Tillema Auto — Local services in Byron Township

We have lived in Byron Center for the past 10 years. And we had used Tillema for a couple small services here and there through the years. Usually to press a bearing and once to replace a 4wd propeller shaft. This was back before the new garage and showroom had been built. Generally good service and reasonable pricing. Recently we brought our SUV there for a diagnostic service. $170 for the "complete diagnosis". We were told it needed new VVT solenoids. So when we asked about cost before the repair, we were told it would only be "a few hundred dollars". We should have asked for an exact number. Our mistake. It was almost $1,500 after parts and labor. We were in absolute shock! As this was a day before christmas when we brought it in for the service. So I did some research after we cleaned out our savings with whatever we had left after Christmas just so we could pick it up when they were finished with the "repair". We were charged $454 each solenoid. I found them on the dealer website, not eBay or Amazon, for $275+shipping each solenoid. So they applied a huge mark-up on the parts. Problem solved. Right? Absolutely not! Same issues right when we left their lot. We tried to drive it for a few days to see if it got better. Needless to say, the problem persisted. So we brought it back to Tillema. They drove it and stated there were no issues. The CEL light was still on for cat codes. We were assured it would be fine. It was not fine. A couple days later, it lost all of its throttle response. It seemed like it now would take 3 days to get up to 55mph. Limp mode. So we brought it to the dealership. Another $170 diagnostic fee at the dealership this time. It was seen by certified techs. Turns out, the lifter bucket for the high pressure fuel pump had failed after the second round with Tillema's diagnostic "geniuses" failed to diagnose the real problem. Metal shards fell into the timing chain cover. And gasoline was pumping directly into the crankcase. Thus leaving us with a $6,500 repair estimate for a new timing cover, timing chain set, high pressure fuel pump, fuel pump cam gear, and lifter bucket. And not to mention the 13 hours labor charge. Pretty costly mistake for a misdiagnosis. All for a $40 part that was bad in the firsth place. And a much less labor intensive job(maybe an hour) than replacing the VVT solenoids. So what should have cost us maybe $500 initially ends up costing us over $8,000 due to the lack of competency. I know mistakes happen. But we were also called liars. Them saying "maybe if I checked the oil, this wouldn't have happened". Dan said that. We were also called liars because they claimed it had been 15,000 miles since the previous oil change. I have the receipts. And we have the documentation of oil changes from the Gezon Valvoline. So we were called liars. We were told we were negligent to a $75,000 SUV. I was told I was grasping at straws when I stated that they misdiagnosed our vehicle. Had the diagnosis been done properly after the second visit, this all could've been avoided. We feel like we were given a big FU. And now we are left with a 7,500lb lawn ornament.

In response to your response, you refuse to hold your team accountable for any wrongdoing. And no. The engine ABSOLUTELY would not have to be dissected to replace the faulty part(the original problem that was left undiagnosed). We made a bad decision to trust your shop to get the job done. You just scanned some codes and unloaded the parts cannon. But we are the ones that are being unreasonable. After we spent $1,500 trusting your shot to properly diagnose the issue. Which was absolutely not the case. Misdiagnosis 100%. If you don't feel like owning up to it, then I guess you're telling anybody that comes in and tries to get a problem fixed that it's going to be their fault and not yours when the problem doesn't...

edit updated review

Previously I had amazing things to say about this Auto shop. I even referred three of my friends there for work on their vehicles, unfortunately whoever they have working at the front desk is very condescending and rude.

I would highly recommend that when you are making appointments you let the person know how much that service costs, such as diagnostics or oil change. To assume that someone would know that you are diagnostic cost is $160 is exactly what they say about assuming. (If you know the saying). (Especially when the person already knew what was wrong with their car) "what did you expect" is crazy to say to someone asking why it costs so much. (When someone calls to make an appointment, please make them aware of the cost)

Otherwise I received outstanding work previously in April 2024. They have a great new building and their mechanics are good.

That being said I will never return back to Tillema Auto if that gentleman is still working there.

EDIT: *Someone reached out and made amends in regards to this interaction. I appreciate your kindness, and understanding. I was refunded. Ultimately there is a miscommunication that could have been avoided. And I do appreciate someone reaching out to explain and fix situation. I will continue to recommend people to go to this Auto shop! Family and treating people right is what really matters, wish this...

A week ago, I assisted my grand daughter in purchasing her first car. She had a specific make/model in mind, and via Carfax.com, had located dealerships that had a vehicle that matched her criteria. We visited dealerships in order of their proximity to our starting point. The first three dealerships were all very disappointing. Those dealerships had inferior vehicles, or required so-o-o much personal data before even showing you the desired vehicle. You can't imagine how refreshing it was when we next discovered Tillema Auto, and was so warmly greeted, and taken care of by Sam. We told him which vehicle we were seeking and without hesitation, he immediately obtained the keys, as he was certain that we would want to take it for a drive. He was also very confident that the vehicles on their lot would meet with our satisfaction, due to the inspection and reconditioning they do, prior to putting a car on the lot to sell. He proudly stands behind the products that he sells, and prices them fairly. Even though it was mid afternoon, we were able to complete the purchase the same day, and my grand daughter drove it home, with the biggest smile ever, all thanks to Sam and the folks at Tillema Auto. If you are looking at purchasing a new to you vehicle, make Tillema's your first stop, you will be glad...