Richman Automotive & Towing in
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Address:1272 8th St, West Des Moines, IA, United States
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Rating:
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Phone:
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Methods of Payment:
- Credit cards
- Debit Cards
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Services:Auto repair shop
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Website:
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Zip Code:50265
Working Time and Location
What clients say about Richman Automotive & Towing in West Des Moines (IA)
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This company ripped off my 86 year old mother! 600 dollars for a jump! Don’t go there!
Jan 31, 2026 -
We have been using Richman's since Jeff acquired the business. We have always been well served and treated fairly. Recently, my car went into "limp home" mode just before I needed to travel out of town. Richman's worked me in the same day and was able to fix it by the next day.
Dec 19, 2025 -
If I could give this place a negative 5 stars, I would. The owner is a scammer looking to take costly advantages of every automotive issue. Had a diagnostic that took 2 minutes to complete and charged nearly $300. Told me my vehicle needed an engine replaced, turned out that was a lie. He tried to bypass printing off the codes that came up and gloss over the fact that the codes didn’t match what he was trying to convince me of; that the engine needed replaced. Had the vehicle towed to a reputable establishment called Higgins in Urbandale where I had a FREE diagnostic completed with ethical support. I’m reporting this business to the BBB.
Nov 25, 2023 -
This place is a complete scam!! This place will charge you $600+ for a battery. I tried to tell this place I only needed a jump start but they insisted it would only die again...maybe at a stop light he said. (tried to scare me with fear based scenario) So I agreed and it took them hours to diagnosis what I already told him that I needed, a new battery.... that I could have got at any other auto place & that they would install it for free even with a warranty. My bill was over $700!!!! DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR HERE OR TOW IT HERE.
Mar 13, 2023 -
The guys at Richman are the only people I trust with my vehicle. I’ve used them exclusively for several years and multiple vehicles. I have never left there with a single concern/fear/worry/regret. I recommend them whenever I can to others. Top-notch service. Dependable. Thorough. Affordable yet they don’t cut corners. Transparent. Good people.
Oct 12, 2022 -
I took my car in after hearing some noises from the suspension. I fully expected to spend hundreds of dollars on parts. They found a shield was loose and after an inspection found that my brakes and suspension were all in good order. Very honest shop. I will definitely be back!
Jun 29, 2022 -
They were very prompt and flexible when my schedule changed. Also very transparent, sending photos/video of the problem and exact diagnosis, and were took care of the problem properly and quickly. Only thing is that they're a bit pricey for a small business. Overall good experience
Jun 23, 2022 -
I had my car towed to their location that convinced me that they were the better option over my usual mechanic after the car was towed there by my insurance they told me they needed to look at the car and that there would be no charges until they tell me I come up there about an hour later come to find out they've been looking at my car got some trouble codes and said it's gonna be $500 to diagnose the car not counting labor to repair it in parts they then said if I did not wont the job done they were charging me 172$ for 1 houre of work. Real rip-off
Dec 13, 2021 -
Charged me $17 to look at my tire and tell me it was busted. Told me they could find the tires I wanted. Quoted me $250 more than the business who ended up selling me tires I was looking for. I never leave reviews and am sure they do plenty of things fine, just thought it was funny to get an email asking for my review after that experience.
Jul 28, 2021 -
Super helpful, especially as someone who knows very little about cars. They arrived to tow my car in about 15 minutes (much faster than past services I have used), worked on my car within the same day, and kept me updated and informed through multiple emails/calls during the day. My starter and battery needed to be fixed and pricing was fair. The employees I interacted with were very personable.
Jul 13, 2021 -
I recently had my oil changed at Richman’s but have had other work done to keep my 16 year old vehicle running. They are always clear and upfront about the work that needs to be done and at a reasonable cost. Always friendly and welcoming.
Jun 29, 2021 -
We were in a bind when fuel line sprung a leak. The tow operator was professional and courteous. Jeff kept us up to date on parts order and repair progress. After repair, the vehicle pickup took two minutes. One of the easiest repair experiences I've ever had.
May 11, 2021 -
It was a positive experience. The tow truck driver showed up within 20 minutes. Then they finished the repairs and had my car ready the next day. They even picked me up and drove me to the shop to pick up my car. I would highly recommend them! 5 stars!
Apr 29, 2021 -
I called Richman's Towing recently after seeing their ad at the top of my Google query for West Des Moines towing companies since my car suddenly starting dying a few seconds after turning it on and I needed to have my car towed to the repair shop I had just taken it a few months earlier. The person I talked to at Richman's said someone would be there in an hour, but the tow truck actually arrived about a half-hour early. After telling the tow truck operator about my starting issues, he asked if he could look at my car and I said yes. After he checked a few things my car actually started right up! I was very pleased and surprised that someone would do that, as it would have been better for him to tow my vehicle as opposed to fixing my starting issue. I was able to drive my vehicle to the aforementioned repair shop and they fixed it free of charge since, as previously noted, I had just taken the vehicle there less than a few months ago. I wanted to share this review because of the quality of service I was provided and how the tow truck operator may have saved me a lot of money with car repairs.
Nov 04, 2020 -
I left work Monday afternoon to a vehicle that would not start. After troubleshooting for problems myself, I called Richman for a tow and to have the vehicle serviced. Dispatch was prompt in answering and very professional on the phone, made the first point of contact easy and set the tone for a good interaction. Dispatch (cannot remember the gentleman's name) said they would have a truck out to my location in thirty minutes. I wait maybe 15, if that, before I got a call from Robert that he was at the location. With me assuming the worst, Robert popped the hood and identified the issue. No tow, just a quality service call. The whole interaction from start to finish was professional and such a relief to my nerves and my pockets that I would recommend Richman and staff for towing and servicing. My next vehicle work will definitely be trusted to Richman.
Mar 10, 2020 -
Car overheated to the max on the interstate. Had my 3 year old daughter in the vehicle as well pulled over on the shoulder. Tow truck driver Robert is an absolute blessing to this world. Took us to the shop for car repair, took us to where we needed to go, and cannot compliment Robert enough. Great service, great pricing, great speed. absolute pleasure working with these folks. 10 stars if I could
Jan 05, 2020 -
The nicest tow truck driver who has given my husband a ride twice now. They are starting to feel like family. He arrived in 15 minutes and handled his truck as though it was his own prized possession. Thanks for a great tow!
Oct 03, 2019 -
Professional: Very friendly, well mannered. Prompt: 25 minutes for whole process. Decent price: RWD car 2 miles $85. The fuel pump went out in my car and I realized I was going to need to get my car towed, I was afraid the process was going to take forever and cost a fortune but it only took them less than 15 minutes to arrive and less than 10 to load up my car. I was fortunate enough that I was covered for the tow through my insurance but I asked out of curiosity how much it would have been without he said around $85 which is pretty good keeping in mind I had towed to the nearest shop about 2 miles away.
Sep 29, 2019 -
Fast and great service! Had to have my daughter's car towed out of the high school parking lot and sent to our mechanic. The driver was extremely helpful and friendly, will definitely recommend your business to friends and family. Thank you!
Sep 17, 2019 -
My car wouldn’t turn on and I thought it was the starter. Called to get a tow truck on Sunday afternoon and was astounded at the level of service provided. Not only was Richland BP and towing one of the few places open, but they answered my call quickly and gave me a 15 minute timeframe to pick up my car! Once at my car, the technician actually diagnosed the problem (battery) and gave me a jump start and told me where to find a new battery. Amazing service all around, I could not be happier!
Sep 16, 2019 -
They responded quickly so I didn't have to wait long. Driver was was very professional and friendly. Towed my truck to the dealership and he dropped it off and parked it while I dealt with Service Dept. Would highly recommend.
Sep 11, 2019 -
My step daughter blew a tire on a pot hole, asked for a tow to Discount Tires. The manager towed it to his station, and convinced Her he could do the work. The cost was twice as much. By the time I got there he was claiming very expensive tie rod work was needed. I said we are done here, and had the car towed to a good mechanic, who said one the the tie rods had been intentionally disconnected. This place will ripe you off given a chance.
Mar 13, 2019 -
For years I have been trusting my vehicle care with the Richman team. Always professional and fair. Jeff and Steve have been great. They make it enjoyable to do business with. So much easier to deal with than the dealerships. A family owned operation that gets it!
Aug 30, 2018 -
Be careful and think before u agree to their estimates. Geico connected me to them for a jump start. Since that didn't fix the issue , they were assigned to me to tow to Walmart. The person who came to tow advised me I would get better service at their shop. It's totally my mistake I should have rejected his offer because he was obviously trying to bring business to their shop. It was a messy early morning and I wasn't thinking. They ran the diagnostics and told me I needed a new battery and gave me an estimate for $300. He showed the price of the battery is $250 and he is installing for free. It's again my mistake I should have shopped around. But i was in a hurry. I then found out the real price of the battery is only $180. They could have been honest with me and showed the real price for the battery and charged me separately for installation. When I came back and asked abt these things the person at the desk couldn't give a proper answer. The weird thing is my regular maintenance I did with my dealership just 10 days before shows my battery was in good health. So I asked the guy if they have a copy of the diagnostics they ran on my car. They say they threw them away. Unbelievable. I feel I was ripped off and they r using their contract with Geico to lure in customers when they r in their most vulnerable situations like being stranded on the road.
Feb 14, 2018 -
over $400 for a new battery and diagnostics seems a little high. Was surprised at the total when I went to pick it up as they called and told me what the problem was but never gave me an estimate(probably my fault for not asking). I originally was having them tow to the dealership but the tow driver suggested that BP would be alot cheaper. So I went with it. After picking it up I took the receipt to the dealer and they told me that there total charge would have been $220. Live and learn. I wont be back anytime soon.
Oct 09, 2017 -
I took my car in here for an alignment. I have my car serviced and checked regularly so I was aware of what my car needed. The next day they call and quote me $1000 to fix a ton of things that aren't anything in that neighborhood of expense to repair, let alone necessary. When I picked up my car, they charged me $107 for the absolute nothing they had done to my car. If you drive by and thing, "wow that place looks shady," trust your instincts. I'm taking my car elsewhere. What a scam. Just like all stereotypical car places that try and charge you to fix everything.
Aug 18, 2016 -
I made an appointment for two pm to get my oil changed, THREE HOURS later my car was done. I called to inquire about the ridiculous amount of time it was taking, very nicely, and the man just kept telling me that they were busy and my car was done now. I received no apology, nothing. I understand being busy, but they, just are clearly UNRELIABLE . So unless you have time to waste I do not suggest taking your car here.
Apr 28, 2015 -
Set up a towing for my car on Feb 2, 2015. They gave an ETA of 3 hours which I accepted because it was the day after a big snow storm. Within this 3 hours, they called twice, a minute apart, which I was not available to answer. They didn't leave a message. I called back after 15 minutes and they said that my request has been cancelled because I "need to answer my phone whenever they called". She also said that they're "extremely busy" and have a lot of business. I took my business elsewhere and if you care about service without hassle, you should consider doing so too.
Feb 02, 2015 -
I have been taking my car to Westside Auto Pros all these times. Until recently when they charged me $30.00 to screw the front license plate on. After this I lost faith in them. After reading some of the review, I called the guys at Krueger's. John took his time to answer all my questions. I took the car in for diagnostic. Since they only had to spent little time for the diagnostic, they only charged me half price of the full diagnostic. The technician who had worked on my car, called me and went over every detail. If I wasn't moving, I would use this guys for any future repair. I would highly recommend them.
Nov 19, 2012
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