Providing auto provides and service in the Midwest since 1955, Reliance Automotive delivers a comprehensive source of automotive equipment, parts, provides and accessories. Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Reliance is a family-owned & operated independent automotive service firm.
Reviews (6)
Malcolm Crawford
May 07, 2017
I was referred to Reliance automotive by a friend. I was hesitant to use them, but I was told they're the best in St. Louis for electrical work. My grandparents use Reliance Automotive and have had good experiences so I thought I'd give them a try. I called to inform them of the issue I was having with my car. I own a 2009 Chevy Malibu. It drove fine for about 15 minutes then my security theft light would come on, check engine light, my gas and coolant needles would go up and down, and car would not shift out of first gear.
When I informed Dan at Reliance Automotive of that issue, he stated "We deal with that stuff all the time" which helped ease my mind. I was under the impression that his mechanics were experienced with handling this issue based on our conversation. I dropped the car off on Monday (10/24) morning. I did not receive an update from the shop for several hours.
So I decided to drop in Monday afternoon and was informed they were "Just about to call" and the car was being test driven. I then left the shop expecting to receive an update as soon as possible. Again, after not receiving an update I visited the shop around 3pm. I was told again, that they were "Just about to" contact me. I was also shocked to find that the mechanic working on my vehicle was searching YouTube in order to find tutorials for fixing things on cars.
When I asked for an update I was told "Codes were checked and he needs to test the Body Control Module (BCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) to see where the problem is." The car was not ready and I needed to rent a vehicle in order to handle my daily duties. On Tuesday (10/25) afternoon after not receiving an update yet again, I dropped into the shop.
The car was not being worked on at that moment, but I was told "many wiring diagrams were printed and we will get to it." I called the shop for an update later and spoke with Tammy. She told me there was recall on the BCM and the car no longer starts. I advised Tammy that I will call the dealership to verify. The dealership stated that there are no active recalls on my vehicle that have not been taken care of.
I called Tammy back to inform her of this news from the dealership. Her response was "Well the car won't start, it was just a matter of time before the BCM went out (she never confirmed with me that the BCM was the issue) and it just so happened it our care." Tammy also said I would need to get the car towed at my expense. I had several issues with her reply because I was never told by their mechanic the BCM was the problem, their mechanic seemed to use YouTube in order to guide him through repairs which could have caused issues, and the dealership which I take my vehicle to had verified the BCM was not an issue.
I believe that the issue which cause the vehicle not to start was due to their mechanic's lack of experience or improper techniques. Now, my vehicle no longer operational and I have to pay more money for another rental vehicle, towing, and to get a proper repair done. My vehicle had no issues starting prior to Reliance Automotive working on the vehicle.
As of today (10/26) I am still being told my car is not starting and Reliance Automotive suggests I get it towed to the shop that installed my aftermarket radio and alarm because they do not specialize in aftermarket wiring. I must say I am highly upset that I will be charged for work that did not solve my car issue that they "deal with all the time, " but also made the condition of the vehicle worse (as it will not operate at all now). Reliance Automotive does not seem to be willing to make this better and is adamant that I pay for the mess that they've caused.
Due to this I am forced to continue to pay daily for rental cars and now I am being handed a bill of $319 for unacceptable service. I do not recommend this place to any of my friends or St. Louis residents! The service all around was poor and I regret putting my trust in this company
When I informed Dan at Reliance Automotive of that issue, he stated "We deal with that stuff all the time" which helped ease my mind. I was under the impression that his mechanics were experienced with handling this issue based on our conversation. I dropped the car off on Monday (10/24) morning. I did not receive an update from the shop for several hours.
So I decided to drop in Monday afternoon and was informed they were "Just about to call" and the car was being test driven. I then left the shop expecting to receive an update as soon as possible. Again, after not receiving an update I visited the shop around 3pm. I was told again, that they were "Just about to" contact me. I was also shocked to find that the mechanic working on my vehicle was searching YouTube in order to find tutorials for fixing things on cars.
When I asked for an update I was told "Codes were checked and he needs to test the Body Control Module (BCM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM) to see where the problem is." The car was not ready and I needed to rent a vehicle in order to handle my daily duties. On Tuesday (10/25) afternoon after not receiving an update yet again, I dropped into the shop.
The car was not being worked on at that moment, but I was told "many wiring diagrams were printed and we will get to it." I called the shop for an update later and spoke with Tammy. She told me there was recall on the BCM and the car no longer starts. I advised Tammy that I will call the dealership to verify. The dealership stated that there are no active recalls on my vehicle that have not been taken care of.
I called Tammy back to inform her of this news from the dealership. Her response was "Well the car won't start, it was just a matter of time before the BCM went out (she never confirmed with me that the BCM was the issue) and it just so happened it our care." Tammy also said I would need to get the car towed at my expense. I had several issues with her reply because I was never told by their mechanic the BCM was the problem, their mechanic seemed to use YouTube in order to guide him through repairs which could have caused issues, and the dealership which I take my vehicle to had verified the BCM was not an issue.
I believe that the issue which cause the vehicle not to start was due to their mechanic's lack of experience or improper techniques. Now, my vehicle no longer operational and I have to pay more money for another rental vehicle, towing, and to get a proper repair done. My vehicle had no issues starting prior to Reliance Automotive working on the vehicle.
As of today (10/26) I am still being told my car is not starting and Reliance Automotive suggests I get it towed to the shop that installed my aftermarket radio and alarm because they do not specialize in aftermarket wiring. I must say I am highly upset that I will be charged for work that did not solve my car issue that they "deal with all the time, " but also made the condition of the vehicle worse (as it will not operate at all now). Reliance Automotive does not seem to be willing to make this better and is adamant that I pay for the mess that they've caused.
Due to this I am forced to continue to pay daily for rental cars and now I am being handed a bill of $319 for unacceptable service. I do not recommend this place to any of my friends or St. Louis residents! The service all around was poor and I regret putting my trust in this company
Paul Madsen
Apr 01, 2017
Going to this place is like receiving a posterior penetration without the KY. I had them inspect my vehicle but as soon as I drove away, the parking brake was no longer operational. I returned to tell them the problem and they tried to charge $400 for parts and labor. Needless to say I didn't take them up on that offer. Reliance, I invite you to not only stop treating new customers like trash, but also to stop existing as a repair shop in our estimation. Go someplace else for your auto repairs.
Devion Dancy
Nov 03, 2016
HORRIBLE! I came here to have a simple repair done to my vehicle. The lady at the counter stated that they could repair my front air divide of my GFX and attach it back to the bumper. Well, they attached it very loosely and said that I need to go to Auto Zone and purchase some double sided tape. All this after they charged me for a 30 minute repair.
They refused to reimburse me for the 3M Double Sided Tape and stated that I need to speak with the owner next Tuesday. Initially, I was told that the fix could be done no problem and they let me leave as if the repair was completed correctly. I will never use their service again because of dishonesty not the money. #whereisyourintegrity
They refused to reimburse me for the 3M Double Sided Tape and stated that I need to speak with the owner next Tuesday. Initially, I was told that the fix could be done no problem and they let me leave as if the repair was completed correctly. I will never use their service again because of dishonesty not the money. #whereisyourintegrity
Jon Zimmerman
Mar 13, 2015
Joseph Goodman
Apr 17, 2014
I've been going to Reliance for years and they've always been honest, dependable, and responsive. There is a reason they've been in business for decades. You might pay a little more for an oil change compared to jiffy lube, but you'll actually get some service and a reliable check. They're always cheaper than the dealership. When the dealer says I need to have something done I take it to Reliance to make sure.
One time my VW dealer said I needed new brakes, but Reliance checked the pads and I had 70% left. They easily could have made $500+ on the deal, but they were honest instead. If you have an old classic car, this is also a great place to go as they distribute the parts.
One time my VW dealer said I needed new brakes, but Reliance checked the pads and I had 70% left. They easily could have made $500+ on the deal, but they were honest instead. If you have an old classic car, this is also a great place to go as they distribute the parts.
Sarah
Jun 10, 2013
Do not let yourself be scammed by this dishonest business. After mentioning my experience with others, I discovered they routinely charge at least twice as much as other mechanics. I was forced to pay a riduclous diagnostic charge on a problem that was quite apparent. Thankfully, the actual repair that was done elsewhere for half the cost. They will perform unnecessary tests and charge outragous labor fees to drive up your bill. The only positive is that they correctly identified the problem. Do a little research and avoid these con artists.
