What clients say about Ralph's Automotive & Repair in Vandalia (OH)
One of the most reliable and trustworthy shops in Vandalia Ohio. I own Advantage Plumbing Heating & Air and we have a fleet of 12 vehicles and a reasonable and efficient mechanic is something we always need. Ralph’s has been nothing short of amazing. You can expect honesty and transparency with no effort to try to sell you something to just take more of your money!
I brought my 2004 Yukon in last Friday for a bumper to bumper inspection. I was given a list of problems and was told what needed immediate attention. I gave the go ahead to have it fixed. on Monday, I'm being told that my truck is overheating and they can't figure out why after "replacing a heater hose and connector." They state my truck is a money pit and they can't determine the problem because my on board diagnostic port wasn't functioning and they suspected blown head gaskets. My husband shows up with a tow truck and the truck isn't overheating at all when he starts it. As a matter of fact he drove it home. We got a second opinion. If I would have followed the advice that this shop provided me, I would have blown so much money not only repairing things that didn't need fixed, but buying a new vehicle that I didn't have to buy because the truck was fixed, successfully, by someone else. Not only did I waste my money, but my time as well.
If they thought that my truck was too much of a liability, they should have said that in the first place. If they didn't feel comfortable working on it because they aren't familiar with older vehicles or thought I couldn't afford the work, they should have just come right out and said that. I would have just paid the inspection fee and took my business elsewhere which I had to do anyways.
And just an FYI: My head gaskets are not blown, my truck hasn't overheated ONCE since we brought it back home, the pitman arm and idle arm where repaired and a front end alignment was done. Leaks were located and are in the works of being repaired and it was all done without an OBD reader.
Awesome people here! I will never take a vehicle anywhere else. I've had several cars and trucks repaired and serviced here and will always come back when I need anything done. Honest, dependable, reasonable, Christian, small town feel, family owned. I send everyone here
They are amazing my husband's car broke down over that way they towed it to their shop and fixed it we went this morning to pick it up and there was something else leaking and they got it in and fixed it. Thank you so much for all our help. We live almost 4 hours away from their shop.
Have taken my cars here many times--great service and great pricing! Most recently, our 2006 van was vibrating at certain speeds. When I first called to set up an appt., Ruby suggested that I first get the tires rotated and balanced at a tire shop, as that is what the problem usually is. I appreciated that! I got that done and the vibration was still there, so then I booked an appt. They found that the original CV axles were the issue. As they disassembled the van to replace the CV axles, these they found that the lower control arms and ball joints were extremely worn to the point where it was a safety issue, and recommended doing this repair and putting off the CV axles if the cost was too high to do both jobs together. I had them do both, and the van rides like new!
I was in Vanadlia viisting family the first weekend of May 2024. Unfortunately, I had an alternator go bad and there wasn't a way to drive back home, 50 miles. Ralph's were able to work me in on Monday and get me back on the road to head home. I appreciate their going above and beyond the call or duty. Thank You, Ralph's Automotove.
My wife and I have used their services several times over the years, and once again yesterday. Absolutely the fairest mechanics we have ever dealt with. They did a great job. We will continue to go to them as long as we're living in this area. It's no wonder they have so many great reviews.
Doug & Phyllis Lenz
We are so glad to find such a great place/mechanic. They went way out of their way to get our Nissan Titan fixed & back on the road. Ruby was so nice & put in lots of extra time to get us taken care of. Thank You Guys
Had brakes and rotors replaced on my prius today. Everyone was very friendly and they got it done in 4 hours. I don't hear crazy noises when I drive anymore 🙏 thank you!
*price was $730 cash for anyone wondering what the cost would be for that kind of fix.
Wow what can I say but I’m most grateful to them. We were going to Noah’s ark and our car started acting out. We pulled in and the lady who runs the place was an Angel from God. She encouraged, supported us and prayed with us. The mechanic who took care of us was so so good too! Thank you so much for your kindness!
Ralphs is the most honest and best auto repair shop I have ever used. I have had several repairs done there and use them ecslusively. Can't recommend enough.
They were very helpful when my husband got a screw in his tire. I see they close at 5 and they stayed late to help him get back on the road. The price was also very reasonable.
I am new to the area and seem to have a blessing finding Ralph's. Estimate was accurate. Nice to have the option of cash or credit price. Very courteous and professional. I have not had my vehicle back very long but the repair seems successful. They asked me to bring it back in a week to check it, so I have confidence. You should too.
Honest fair and friendly. Good down home people, I will be giving them all my auto repair work. Great to have this kind of rare service in this day and age. Thank You Ruby!
I have gone to this garage several times over the years and they've always been very honest and fixed whatever was necessary. Most recently, I took my car in for a squeak and thought I needed brakes. Turned out that because I'm driving less, my brakes will sometimes squeak from days of sitting and I didn't need brakes. They were honest with me and didn't charge me for checking the brakes. Would highly recommend!
For over a year my suspension had been making an awful clanking sound and 3 shops INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP couldn't find it and upsell me on the wrong thing! I took it to Ralph's and not only did they find the problem, they fixed it the same day for $50 and now my car rides like a brand new car not making any noise. Highly recommend this place.
My daughters car broke down in Vandalia, Ohio. I live in Nashville, Tn and my daughter lives in Lima, Ohio. I called Ralphs and just let me say I am blown away by the professionalism, and the absolute truth in this business. The owner referred me to a towing company as well to get my daughters vehicle to his shop. I am just in shock and awe at the way my daughters vehicle was quickly repaired the same day I must add, and the price was way below what I had expected to pay. You ALWAYS need a great mechanic, an honest one at that. Thank You isn't enough !!!
I broke down right next to Ralph's and went in looking for a tow. Instead, one of the guys came right out in the street to look at it and give me some options. They even pushed it into their lot themselves. The work was done quickly, they knew which part needed ordered even though it had changed from what originally came with the van, and the cost was really reasonable. What could have been a long and frustrating day was resolved painlessly. They were friendly, helpful, and fair.
They're not your average corporate greed company. They actually care about you, and your vehicle. They don't try and cheat you out of your money, they get the job done, and they do it right. Glad to see a company like this! From what I can see, they're locally owned, not a chain. I'd highly recommend Ralph's over your local car dealers repair shop.
Ralph’s Automotive is the BEST!! My daughters and I all take our vehicles to them. They are the NICEST people. They take the time to explain things and let you know the cost up front, no hidden prices! They are HONEST, GREAT MECHANICS and VERY AFFORDABLE!!! I wouldn’t take my vehicle any place else!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND RALPH’S!!
i will never take my car to them again! i have been going there for years i was suspicuous about there work after i had to a the same parts replaced twice in one year! but its what happend recently that was the worst i had asked them to check my brakes at my last two oil changes and they always said i can wait it can wait! when they finally said that it was time my rotor was worped and it costed me 500$ to fix! it can wait until my brakes messed up my rotor so it would cost more than it would have! honest not at all if they think they can get over on you they will!
We had our car towed Wednesday night to them and by Friday afternoon had our car fixed and back home with us. They have friendly staff and good prices. I would highly recommend.
Great shop! They are extremely honest and reasonable. They won't charge extra for things you don't need to have done. They won't try to sell you on work that is really unreasonable. They are concerned for your safety and will do thorough work that they will stand by. Very friendly customer service. And extremely reasonable prices!
Ralphs Automotive is the BEST they are 100% honest 100% of the time... Our family is faithful to Ralphs because they are faithful in quality care and service. I highly recommend this Garage for ANY and ALL automotive & Repair
Great repair shop, honest and took a lot of time to explain the reasoning for the repair beforehand. Helped me diagnose the problem initially and gave a detailed price quote on the repair (and the final bill came in $20 below the quote). I am very hesitant to take my car to any repair shop, and refuse to take it to a dealer's service center based on bad experiences with many dealers over the years. I tried Ralph's since it is walking distance from my work and I needed a big repair unexpectedly. Quite a find. I feel I got a really good price for the repair as well, based on some online research beforehand. Overall I'm very happy with the cost, service, ease of scheduling and the result. I will be a repeat customer.
I am a third generation customer at Ralphs and won't take my car anywhere else. They are a family owned company and honest to a fault! There will be no questions if something is done here its done right!!
We've taken our vehicles to Ralph's for years and trust them to always treat us well. They communicate the problem well, fix it quickly, and we've never had to take a car back to "get it done right." I'm very impressed with their level of customer care and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
Ralph's Automotive is a very honest and great mechanic shop. I ALWAYS bring my car there for anything, regardless of whether I'm in town or back at school. You can trust the will not screw you over
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