What clients say about McDowell's Towing Services in Vandalia (IL)
The starter went out on my f350. I called them at 8:30 in the morning, they picked up my truck with their rollback and took it to the shop. I got a call at 12 saying it would be ready for pickup at 1 the same day! Really impressed with the quick repair. I would recommend them to anyone in the vandalia area needing service done
Do not trust this business, I will be moving forward to Better Business Bureau submit my claim. I got a $7,211.00 for my dodge truck brought in for small minor repairs and mechanic shop decided to bill me for not approved invoice. I got zero call, zero text messages, and ZERO emails to get invoice approved. I only approved for the minor which would cost me about $1,800.00 maybe up to $2,500 with repairs requested. But this is ridiculous added unapproved repairs without my consent or signature. I did not signed for this invoice. This just another example of why trust is so hard with auto mechanics.
I had two tires on the inside of my dual wheel van separating on the treads. They also pointed out that even though the remaining tires were in perfect condition, they were 10 years old and probably would do the same thing soon. And left it up to me to decide if I wanted to replace the other two tires. Which I did! There were no tires my size in stock. McDowels Service had replacements the next morning for me, and they allowed me to spend the night in my RV in their parking lot that night. After completing the job, they asked me to drive it for a few days and to bring it back to check the air and lug nuts to make sure everything would be safe for my journey home. I highly recommend McDowels for good work, professional service, and just really nice people.
Our truck broke down and the owner towed us to his shop, McDowell's. They treated us with respect and had our vehicle ready as soon as they could. We were stranded for five day's in a town where we knew nobody. Shelly took us to the Inn and came and got me the next day so I could get more clothes out of the truck, she also took me to the gas station. They are nice people. These people will be in our prayers. Thank you soooo much.
Terrible service. Gave me a laundry list of things wrong with my vehicle and a shockingly low estimate. Upon hearing all the things wrong with my car and the estimate I said of course fix it up. They then charged me almost $2,000 and claimed that I said as long as it was not over 1,600 to fix it. First, this conversation never took place. Second, if this conversation had taken place, they took the liberty of fixing 'extra' things on my vehicle and charging me without my consent. After getting my car back it began making multiple noises it hadn't before and I had a flat tire within 4 months of being in their shop. Would not recommend and will never return.
The gentleman who towed my vehicle when I had a flat tire was great- nice guy and efficient.
However--- I chose to let them help try and get me on the road after a flat tire and this was a big mistake.
I was sold a tire and told that it would work when I got home to be able to purchase another rim.
This is not accurate according to a reputable business in our area. So we called the shop and my husband talked with a female (which I will be kind and leave her name out) whom needs to review customer service etiquette. She blamed myself for not understanding or listening to her explanation of how to repair my car, and then essentially blamed my husband who was also stranded that day with a flat tire for not being there. She hung up the first time after telling us to return the tire and rim and she would refund our money and told us not to come back to the business. She then called back and blamed the customer and hung up on us again. She sarcastically asked my husband " Did she make it home." Not the point!!!! Other than the towing- this business needs to work on professionalism because you don't hang up on a customer and don't lie- At first I was happy to utilize a small business until I found out that I was misinformed about options for replacement of my rim/tire-unfortunately in a stressful time I was taken advantage of and myself and my 18 year old daughter were called liars. If your vehicle breaks down on the interstate I don't recommend using this business- I would have been better off and had a lot less of a bill taking it to the Walmart where my husband got his tire.
RUDE. RACIST THEY ARE LOCATED BY US 51 and they dont know where that is i called them for towing/Service but they were laughing at my accent and just cuz im not American they said we wont give service to you, someone need to teach them where they came from
I'm very impressed by how they talk 2 the customer, I told them I need it a quote on a water pump replacement on a Dually 3500. I don't like leaving my vehicle not knowing into what I'm getting into. BUT LADY WAS NICE AND TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. $180 plus parts @ the end of the day.. Honestly, very reasonable price. THANKS.
Very kind and quick. They pulled me out of the ditch and got me back on the road in less then one hour. Too bad they didn't have a new tire for my Explorer... this used one makes my car vibrate above 45 mph. But hey... it could have been worse.
Oh what a great company! Great Service! and the young man that towed our vehicle, was so polite and kind. He knew what he was doing and we got home safely. What a great experience and yes we trust these folks!
Lynn and his son did a fine job taking care of my truck by towing it to their lot and than the bodyshop in one piece they took their time and was very careful if anyone wants a good service, you are at the right place and Shelley will make sure everything go well just give her a call trust me ……
This was the best mechanic shop I have ever been to. I was driving across country to get to my next duty station and I needed an emergency fix. They got everything going again in 2 hours. They explained to me everything they were doing. Best place around hands down
On a Friday afternoon, I was traveling from Michigan to Arkansas when the check engine light came on in my van. I could tell the van was missing. I stopped in Vandalia and was directed to McDowells. They were able to diagnose the problem - told me they could have me back on the road by 4:30-5:00, if they could get the parts. I was back on the road at 4:00 with my van running great! They were very polite and helpful even though it was their lunch time and had other vehicles to work on. I took my van to my mechanic when I got home. They told me they would have done exactly the same thing and that my van was good!
Thank you McDowells!
I called and asked how much to unlock my car i had accidentally locked the keys in. The dispatch was rude as all get out. Then said it would cost 65 to send the guy i had to pay regardless if he could open it and any damage was on me. Call Taylor lock and key dude was amazing maybe thsse guys arw just for towing only.
I wonder if Lynn is aware of how much business he is losing because of the receptionist’s attitude? The mechanics didn’t do a proper alignment. The steering wheel was extremely off. I took it back for them to redo it and it came out worse which I assume was done out of spite.
I had a flat tire on a road trip. They got me in right away and set me up with a new tire that was the same as my original at a fair price. Very friendly staff who got me back on the road in no time.
I had a truck and trailer in the ditch early in the morning. McDowels was punctual, professional and pleasant. They made an otherwise bad situation as positive as it could be. After it was at their lot and the ensuing days until my insurance did their job McDowels was easy to communicate with. They understood my situation simply not having to use a service like theirs and gave me some helpful information. If I’m ever in need of service in McDowels area I would not consider using anyone else.
After traveling through their area, I picked up a nail on the interstate and pulled off into vandalia. 2 other places didn't seem interested in helping a traveler so I went here as a last resort. Should have gone here first. They got me rolling in about 20 minutes and had a fun conversation with the guy fixing my tire. Thanks guys!
Check engine light came on during our drive from IND —> KC. We came in 30 minutes before closing and the individuals were more than happy to help & give us some car advice. Great people and great service.
My husband and I took our RV out to Kansas for my best friend's wedding, and it was a poorly planned trip. To date, the RV has broken down three times during this trip and we still aren't home yet. BUT we would like to give a lot of credit to McDowell's for giving it a major repair in which the water pump failed, and they gave us transportation to a nearby motel for the night, including our two dogs that were with us. They gave us a rundown of what they were going to do and how much time they needed, and we were very grateful for them to have fit us in considering the timing! Great service, efficient timing! Thank you McDowell's and Merry Christmas!
Had a driver coming out of St Louis blow a trailer tire just outside of Vandalia. Made a call to Mc Dowell's and they were happy to accomodate. Driver was able to make it to their shop and they changed it out in a timely manner and had him back on the road no problem! Thank you very much!
Cannot say enough about the team here. They turned a nightmare of an RV trip into total peace of mind by rebuilding our suspension and got us back on the road quickly and efficiently.
Took advantage of us knowing we were out of town and had no other choice. They use the "let me take you to get something to eat" tactic to get you out of the shop while they cheat you. Cost me $106 for 2 spark plugs to be replaced. I got just down the road and the car started doing the same exact thing, so I called AAA and got a towed to another shop. Found that all my plugs and wires needed replaced, I had a radiator leak, a vacuum leak and my oil sensor had to be replaced. Mcdowell's didnt mention any of this at all. I am thinking they knew, were hoping I'd breakdown close enough to come back to them. Stay away!! They will cheat you, knowing they are the only shop right off the highway and most travelers who need car help are desperate. Rip off artists at their finest, stay far far away.
Fast, friendly and reasonable price. Very honest people. We are from Missouri and had my car towed there. They had it fixed and us back on the road within an hour (give or take) from when they opened.
We had a flat tire on our motorcycle seven miles north of Vandailia on Rt. 51. Another service vendor suggested we call McDowell's. Technician Josh arrived within 30 minutes of our call. Plugged the hole in the tire from a nail, aired up the tire and we were back on the road in just over an hour. Thanks Josh, you were our road angel!! We made it all the way back home to SC :-)
Piss poor customer service from the front desk woman. All the mechanics were lovely. However, was sold a tire that exploded in three days. No refund or remorse was given though, I was only able to speak to the woman. She refused to let me speak to anyone else or any mechanic.
Nicest people you could meet. My tire went flat and had to be replaced we didn't make it there with the tire until just after closing and they stayed and put it on for me. Any time i need a mechanic this will be the place i go!
They got there BEFORE the emergency vehicles and made sure to take care of everything my vehicle needed to get back home safely and was very clear about what needed to be done as soon as I got home so that my vehicle would be in the best shape it could. They were extremely friendly and even drove me to get food and a hotel room. Their hospitality will never be forgotten by my family or myself. You can't' go wrong with this tow/repair company they were professional and very knowledgeable. GREAT EXPERIENCE in a bad situation.
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