My regular mechanic was out 3 to 4 weeks. So was my Lincoln dealer. Called Premier as a result of a friend who had received services there. When the service person came to charge my car, he indicated that there were no voltage in the alternator and I had shared with him the latch problem with the back end of my car on my SUV wasn't working but also made sounds as if it were. He suggested I take it to a mechanic. When I had it towed the next day I had read up that there was a latch problem in Lincoln's and it needed to be replaced every 4 to 5 years. I also shared with them the good Sam's driver indicated I might have an alternator problem as well. When they tested it they said it was a bad battery. I asked him how much a battery was $315. I went and got my own battery because they were charging me $169 for electrical analysis. I left there with a new battery for $220 and paying for $169 electrical analysis. 10 days later my car did the exact same thing. My latch wouldn't open. It was causing the car lights to stay on because I couldn't open or close. It drained my battery. Got a jump start. Took it there. Suddenly they find out that it's a latch problem that I'm sure they didn't test after they put in the new battery. When I went for the bill nothing was itemized. No hours noted on how many hours it took to put the latch in but it totaled 259$ in labor. The part sells at the Ford supply company for $170 and they charged 322$. My bill was $659 walking out. (Including a 37$ "supplies" change. That's why you can get in immediately.
Dear Marcia, Thank you for sharing your experience. We are sorry to hear that you were not satisfied with the service you received. We truly value your feedback, as it helps us improve. In cases involving complex electrical issues like yours, the symptoms can sometimes present differently and require multiple diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause. Initially, we identified a failing battery as the primary issue, as it was not holding a charge. Replacing the battery was a necessary step to stabilize your vehicle and move forward with further diagnostics. When you returned, we were able to investigate further and found the latch issue you mentioned, which was causing electrical drain and affecting the vehicle’s systems. We regret if this was not identified during the first visit; electrical problems can sometimes manifest over time or after resolving other contributing factors. Regarding the cost of the latch and labor, we use OEM parts to ensure quality and reliability, which can sometimes be priced differently from aftermarket options. Labor charges are based on the complexity of the job and standard industry practices. The "supplies" charge covers materials like cleaners, shop towels, and other consumables used during the repair process. We understand how frustrating unexpected car repairs can be, and we are committed to providing transparent and thorough service. If you’d like to discuss this matter further or review your invoice with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly. We’d be happy to address any additional concerns you might have. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to have the opportunity to regain your trust in the future. Sincerely, Emile Dauphinais, Owner
- Premier Auto Service Center of SW Florida LLC