Lynch Ford — Local services in Mount Vernon

Update: High Estimate, Communication Gaps, & Lingering Concerns after Follow-Up

After posting this review, the service manager, Jeff, followed up with me. He explained that the estimate I was given was intended as a worst-case scenario and that the actual issue was near the heater core, not the core itself. While I still feel that clearer communication up front could have prevented frustration, I appreciate that Jeff acknowledged the feedback and took the time to respond. Thinking more, I still admit my doubts because I remember the service rep talking about ordering the whole heater core when scheduling the repair. Again, if Jeff reaches out again or if the car winds up showing a larger issue, I’ll edit this review.

Original post, with an updated last paragraph:

Mixed Experience: Saved $1,900 by Getting a Second Opinion

I wanted to share my experience because it might help others avoid overpaying. My main mechanic couldn’t fix a coolant leak in my hybrid Ford Fusion Energi due to its proximity to the high-voltage electrical system, so I took it to Lynch since I heard they’re more fair than McGrath. While the staff was courteous and even gave me a ride home, the service estimate and communication policies raised some concerns that ultimately cost them my future business.

😃 When I dropped it off, they drove me home to Cedar Rapids while they worked on it, and the driver was friendly.

Midday, the service rep called: ⁉️ Apparently it was an issue with the heater core which would cost $2,200 parts and labor to repair. 😡 When I said this was different from what my mechanic said about where the leak was and I wanted to talk to their technician, they said that wouldn’t be possible. 😃 While I gave it thought, he said there would be no charge for today’s investigation.

😃 They dropped it off at my house for free. 😡 The driver gave me an invoice that included a charge for the diagnosis.

❤️/😡 When I called in to speak with the service manger to see if he would stand by the high level of service they advertise, he stood by what the rep told me and I should definitely 💯 forget about the diagnosis charge. But he also said that I couldn’t talk with the service tech to reconcile what I was told by my original mechanic.

😩 When I took it to a third mechanic, he was able to replace a special-order coolant hose for just $240. So I’m frustrated that Lynch held fast on the $2,200 estimate without letting me talk with tech to figure out details of how they determined that.

Lynch is free to have this no-talking-to-techs policy, but the risk is over-charging customers to the tune of $1,900. And losing my future business which would have probably been worth more than that over the years.

I originally mentioned that I hadn’t heard back after leaving a message with the service manager. Jeff later called me, explaining that he didn’t follow up sooner out of respect for my time. He shared that the $2,200 estimate reflected a worst-case scenario and that the actual issue was near the heater core. While I admit I’m still skeptical given my $240 repair elsewhere, I genuinely appreciate Jeff’s willingness to discuss the matter and accept feedback on how communication could have...

Our experience with Lynch Ford was with the service department, when we went in for a routine oil change. Afterwards, the car was leaking oil all over our driveway and at my work. Neither of our cars had leaked oil before, so the oil stains stuck out like a sore thumb. So we contacted them to have them correct it. They agreed that they would and so I went in for a second time. This time after being told that it would only take a couple of minutes to tighten things up, I was told after sitting for two hours that my oil pan was cracked and would need to be replaced at a cost of about $600. They told me that it was whoever had changed the oil before them (of course), and tried to disparage a couple of oil change places to shift the blame. They didn't even know who did the last oil change, but had no problem blaming them. So, after realizing the type of person/place I was dealing with, I just wanted to have them patch it up as it was before. They agreed to put some temporary (JB Weld) compound on it to get me home and okay for a while. I have to be somewhere for an appointment so I take a loaner car while the compound is setting. When I come back to pick up my car, they attempt to CHARGE ME for fixing the oil leak that they created. Bad idea. My wife doesn't like to be ripped off, and is not afraid to let someone know that she is aware they're doing that. They changed their mind about the bill, but it was clearly not because they felt they'd made a mistake, it was more about embarrassment and not wanting the other people in the waiting room seeing what they do (which I witnessed a couple people fall for in my 2 hours waiting - who comes in for an oil change and is told they need 4 new brakes and all new rotors without being shown why?). So I go in with a car with no oil leaks, (and after 2 visits, 1 unbelievable bill) and I currently have my car leaking oil all over my garage/driveway. Thanks for the headache LYNCH. We will never be coming back to the service or the sales departments, and will be telling anyone who asks exactly how your service...

Can I give 6 stars? They certainly earn a bonus star in my mind, which is a very pleasant surprise when writing a review on car shopping.

100% worth the drive from Cedar Rapids or Iowa City area Got an amazing deal, that was effortless to get, and I am a complete numbers person, very frugal, and look over all the details! Everett, the sales associate, was great, and patient to show me all the options available, test drive for a few hours, and did not give me any of the typical hard sell, sign this, you must buy it today, etc... Jeremy the sales manager, was the best surprise, this is usually the 'closer' role, but he introduced himself very early in the process to recommend a lease -vs- purchase option which was much better at meeting my needs. With Jeremy, I felt he was more interested in helping me with my needs, compared to what it takes to sell a car that day. SELECTION, (no, not yelling it) but hard to have both Chevy and Ford on the same lot, with an abundance of colors, types, engines, etc... Very impressed with the quantity of cars and options!! Finance office was silky smooth, able to answer all the questions with a seasoned professional (Matt). Very organized and efficient. The dealership is also very clean, with nice people all around. Service Department, will let you know once I get some oil changes and/or work done, but fully expect it to be top notch.

In the end, what a surprise to me and worth the short drive. Looking around I realized I was not alone, many people from all over buying cars at Lynch. I think the 'monopoly' dealerships in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area should be a little worried. Some stronger marketing to encourage more people to make the short drive over is all it will take, they will never want to go back to the high pressure, buy today empires in the larger metro areas. Thanks to everyone at Lynch for a great experience, no post-purchase anxiety, a great new ride, and a bit shocked I am writing a glowing review of a...