Do NOT use Ricks for repairs- heres the most brief version of events I can muster.TL,DR: Ricks charged us $500 and 5 visits in an attempt to fix a simple problem, instead break our car and leave us with another $1200+ of repairs at a dealer.History: We brought our Fiat 500X in to have it it looked at because a tail light wasnt working despite replacing the bulb.1st Visit: We brought the car in at 8 am, we requested an update so we knew when to come get the car (we are a one car family, so this was important since we have to take a bus to and from the repair place). At 11 AM, we tried to call for an update- the phones were down. Same problem at 1 PM and 3 PM. Finally found an email and asked them what was going on, they responded they had just looked at our car and that wed have to come pick it up and schedule a new day for repairs. All that seemed standard. They charged us $105 for looking at the car, but assured us they would take that off our next charge if we chose to come back. I asked for that in writing to be safe.2nd Visit: We brought the car in on the scheduled day at 8 AM. We communicated that we were going out of town that weekend and needed it fixed by a certain day, they said no problem. At 12 PM they called to say the parts were not in (they told me they were the day before and the morning of), wed need to bring it in later.3rd Visit: The parts were in and they fixed the problem, but said that wed still have to take it to a Fiat dealer to clear the warning light. 2 separate people assured us multiple times that the light itself was fixed, that the only problem was the warning light was on. When we picked it up, instead of getting a left turn signal out we now had: All 3 brake lights out, and a backup light on the RIGHT side. And, the left side was NOT fixed. We took pictures and emailed the manager, expressing our frustration. Our trip was the next day, and it was over labor day weekend so we could not get a rental car in time to leave. Also, the cars that they claim are sanitized after each visit was left with multiple pieces of trash including a used water bottle, and reeked of second hand smoke.4th Visit: the Manager calls us after seeing a (now deleted) negative review. He made an unconvincing apology for the problems, saying thats not acceptable but its how it is multiple times. He was clearly angry that we had posted a review. When we came to pick the car up this time, they said they had found the problem - a short in the wire leading from the left tail light was causing the error message and the problems with the left light. But after spending hours diagnosing that problem, wed have to bring it back again to actually have it rewired.After this visit, suddenly our 4WD stopped working. This had never been a problem before.5th (final) Visit: We brought the car in again, hoping the shorted wire was the source of all the problems. They attempted to rewire the supposedly shorted wire, but it fixed nothing. They told us we had to bring it to a dealer, there was nothing they could do.Finally, we brought our car to a dealer today. Ricks had left an exposed wire (no pigtails or anything) leading from the left tail light to the module in their attempt to rewire it. The mechanic at the dealer was shocked that they had left it like that. Ricks malpractice possibly led to a problem with the internal power transfer which led to 4WD no longer working - this will be a $1000+ repair for the part and labor at the dealer, in addition to rewiring to fix Ricks mistake.Please, for the sake of your car, your safety, and your wallet, avoid Ricks at all costs.

Honest mechanics and fair prices. I was weary at first to bring my vehicle here but glad I did. The bad reviews make it seem as if these guys are terrible! You take your vehicle to any dealer in this town and you will be waiting weeks for diagnostic and service advisors will ignore your call.They were able to fit me in their schedule and very helpful. Reception staff is very friendly and informative. They kept my car for a few days for parts and getting me back in. These guys are great!

I brought my 2011 Audi into Ricks for repairs. I has a great experience. The price was fair and the work was done in a timely manner considering how busy they are. Im trying to understand the bad reviews posted here. Ive been going here for years with no bad experience. I def will continue to bring my vehicles to Ricks.

Rick sold his business in 2017 and he sold it to the WRONG people.As planned, I drop my car off on a Monday with a crankshaft sensor replacement, an AC Freon refill, and a planned brake fluid change.First Red Flag - They dont start working on my car until 2pm on the first day. I know because I drove by at 1pm and my car was still not in the shop. I verified this later. There was zero communication to me that they would do this. Were pretty busy was their response. Fair enough., I have had crazy days too at my job.Second Red Flag - By the end of the second day ALL theyve managed to accomplish is to get a part in for the AC. It was more than just a freon refill and I totally understood. Have they done anything else; the crankshaft, the brake fluid? Nope. Again, I have to pull up in front of the shop at 4:45pm to learn all this, theres NO phone call to me. I ask for the manager but hes away on an offsite job all week. I tell them I expect it to be done by tomorrow and they promise it will.Third Red Flag - Of course, theres more problems. The technician assigned messed around and didnt finish the brake fluid in time. Thankfully, on this THIRD day, theyve finished the AC and the crankshaft sensor.Fourth Red Flag - On the 4th day of them having my car theyre finally finished, or are they? I start my car and the brake fluid service light is on. This is when I KNOW there not just strategic problems here, but knowledge as well. My car is a very common European car that been out for 13 years, and the head technician did not know how to reset the light. A simple service light, and I had to wait 20 minutes while the code computer and YouTube was searched.MONEY Red flag - According to several sources, a crankshaft sensor should not take anywhere NEAR 4 hours, but thats what I was charged. If the technician did take 4 hours, perhaps they do not know what they were doing?This place should be avoided. It has absentee management, they over promise and under deliver. 4 days they had my car for what should have take at most 2 days.

Had my A/C Compressor, Radiator and Engine Mount replaced on 06 Scion. The mechanics are great and got my car back on the road 🤗Thanks!!!

Very helpful staff. They where happy to answer any and all of my questions.

Always thought Ricks was a good shop, until... I took my car in and told them there was a transmission problem. They call later that day and said there was a transmission problem, but they do not work on transmissions. (They only replace) COULD HAVE USED THAT INFORMATION WHEN I BROUGHT YOU THE CAR. They didnt even tell me if it needed to be replaced, which I would have paid them to do. Charged me $105 to tell me what I told them! At least now I know to go anywhere else. Or at least somewhere I trust will look at the car and really tell me what is wrong. Hong Qi in Urbana, here I come!

Took on way to many projects after some of their mechanics quit. I booked an appointment a month or two out only to have my vehicle sit for an entire week without even being touched. That would be fine if I understood that was expected. However I was told it would be a 2 day job. No calls, updates, or explanation; only excuses on how their business was under preforming. When I picked up my car a week later, the majority of parts i need installed were still in my trunk. 5th dimension corrected and finished installation in 2 days at their 2nd facility.2 star because my first experience there months before was great. This last one was with out a doubt the worst experience Ive ever had anywhere. Especially with mechanics. Ive had a few projects cars and have been self employed for 11.5 years with a local business here in champaign. If you have a guy... stick to him

Misdiagnosed a leak and only found the correct issue after 600$ in work, then wanted more to fix the actual problem.Waiting on a response, but seems they just wanted to do the job they could pull the most $ on whether it was actually the issue or not.Follow up -After being contacted, I was walked in circles and told I should have got a second opinion to be sure of the work offered. Thanks Rick’s, was hoping your opinion would be good enough but your own employees don’t seem to think it is.This is 2 weeks pay for me gone, thanks Rick.Reply to response -Rick, I’m not complaining about the lack of work on the pump, I’m complaining because what should have been a $200 job turned into a $600 one with your misdiagnosis.Very poor faith effort to wash over your mistakes and mislead customers about my review, Rick.

Great group, got me in and out and got updates almost daily. Would for sure take my car back! THANKS

Came here on multiple occasions. One time, I was replacing an alternator, but sustained an injury, and needed Ricks to finish the job. They agreed to do it for half the price, since half the work had been done and I already had the part. Thank you!

Ricks was AMAZING, I told my husband my transmission was acting up (even if it only did it when I was driving) I was begining to think I was crazy, but Josh at Ricks found the issue and fixed it in a few hours. Now my car runs great and I couldnt beat the price. My Toyota definitely has a new doctor..

Came in after reading some reviews because my car’s AC no longer blows cold, they squeezed me in despite appearing full and got me out in 30-45 minutes. Problem wasn’t able to be fixed but they tried everything and told me what needed to be done, cost, and ways to make it cheaper if needed. Labor was super cheap considering the prices I’m used to and Josh was very straightforward and helpful. It’s really frustrating to go to car places and get the run around on things they want to or could do to your car and Rick’s doesn’t seem to be about that. Really appreciated their kindness and service especially from the man who seemed to own the place.Only annoying thing was how confusing it is to find the place (same building as the Euro Motors but other side) but obviously that’s not their fault. The price, quality of customer service, and attentiveness was fantastic and I will be using them again.

Ive been going to Ricks for about 6 years for service on my Audi and Chevy, before and after new management took over. I consistently received the highest quality service at a fair price. The staff is friendly, patient, professional, and honest. They never proceed with any repairs without consulting with me first, which is always appreciated and not my experience with several other mechanics as well as Audi and Chevy dealerships. Unfortunately, I am leaving town and will once again have to find a trustworthy mechanic. Otherwise, I would not take my cars anywhere else for routine service and unexpected repairs.

I have come here a couple of times and their services are top notch. Their staff members are friendly and they are quick to attend to you. I recommend!

Rick call was to high priced for thermostat

Recommended this place by someone and thankful that they did. Got a quote from Car X and they told me to fix what was wrong would cost $600 to $700. Took my car to Ricks and the quote was $150. When they did the work they only charged me $35 because it wasnt as bad as originally thought. Dont over charge you like most places and did a great job!

Rick’s changed hands in the last year or so. The old team was excellent, and I’m pleased to say the new guys are as well!As other reviewers have said, they are great about doing what needs done. There are some garages that will always try to get you to do the most expensive repair possible, even if a cheaper fix would do the job- Rick’s will tell you what you actually NEED to get done (and do it well). The guys at the old Rick’s kept my older car safe and running without me going broke, and it seems like the new team will do the same!

I have brought my 1991 Volvo to Ricks several times for all kinds of work, from oil changes to a leaky fuel line. The work has always been completed in a timely manner, often same-day. The work is also of good quality; Ive never had any repeat issues with jobs that theyve done. The people are very personable, and the mechanics are happy to explain what was wrong with the car and how they fixed it.

We were from out of town and had car troubles in the highway. They immediately took us in, and treated us with amazing hospitality and service. They were extremely thorough, and I would recommend their service to everyone!

Great place, would recommend this place. Nice people, on time, and they tell you what your car needs and they tell you all the information about your car that you need to know. Good place!

Bernie was the most amazing and knowledgeable mechanic I have met. He promptly assisted me and my fiance with our Jeep, fixed the problem so we could make it home. If you are in need of auto repair Bernie is the man to see... Thank you so much Bernie, we are truly grateful.

I have had such an amazing experience with Josh and Pete at Ricks Automotive. They provide quality work, dedication, and put in extra hours to get me my car asap. They provide honest quality work and are very upfront. They are the best shop I have been to in the Champaign Area

After many instances of being taken advantage of by various mechanics, I was nervous when found out that I needed new brakes. I decided to try out Ricks, and I was very glad I did. They are there to fix your car, not to pressure you into spending money you dont need to spend. The only negative of the whole experience was a miscommunication about when the car would be ready. Besides that, I was very pleased with the service and the final product. I would definitely recommend trusting Ricks with your automotive needs.

I asked them to look at a leak of the front passenger side door and to fix a piece of weatherstripping that was popping off the back passenger side door. They made me an appointment a week out from my call for 8:00am. The mechanic had just arrived, and did not look at my car first. In fact, he didn’t even remember my car until I called at 2:40 to ask about whether they figured out where the problem was. Then I was called at 3:20 to be told that it was all fixed — all it needed was a cleaning of the “channels” bringing the water away. I was charged $89 for an HOUR of work, and I then pointed out that the weatherstripping was NOT EVEN LOOKED at. The mechanic apologized profusely and tried to glue it right in front of me - which did not work. Then I asked him to show me what “channels” he had cleaned - and he showed me the moonroof. THAT WAS NOT WHERE THE LEAK WAS. If the moonroof now *starts* leaking I will be super mad. Don’t go here if you actually need someone to listen to you and figure something out. The mechanics are friendly and polite, but they dont necessarily listen and figure things out.----I have to say that the owner was bold to call me back and ask me to bring the car in to discuss the issue in person. He gets kudos for bravery, and for refunding me half the money, since only half an hour of work was done. Because the day was very cold, he did not test the leak himself again as he had said hed do over the phone, but he did offer to look at the car after a hard rain, and if the leak remained, then he would fix it free of charge. So, the jurys still out!----Just had a day of light rain. Now the FLOOR of the Matrix is wet. Totally NEW leak problem that has never happened before in our 18 year old car. A-pillar by the front passenger side door is dry, passenger seat is damp. Looks like Ill be looking for a mechanic who listens better and can take the time for a real diagnosis.

Had my BMW serviced by Rick’s this week and I couldn’t be happier. They were fast and extremely knowledgeable. Definitely will be back for future services. Thanks!

Will be doing regular business as an import fiend. Professional and courteous!

Great service. A bit overpriced. Jasper is a joy to work with!

On way back from Florida to Minnesota wheel bearing went out they made the time to get us in and out - awesome guys and great work

Professional and timely experience with fixing my vehicle, I highly recommend Ricks Automotive. The whole team is great if I ever needed their services I would do it again without question! Thanks again!

Ive done business with Ricks for over 20 years and they have been nothing but excellent. They give you the truth about what is needed and would never mislead or replace items that werent needed. Honesty above reproach combined with one of the best if not the best mechanic in a 300 mile radius. Their labor rates are very reasonable and if you dont believe me, call the dealership of whatever car you own and compare labor rates. I find the one star ratings to be suspect honestly.

Great repair shop. Helped me out of a couple of tough jams. One of Champaigns greats.

They have been great every time I take my BMW to them. I once had a broken oil sensor they replaced and then the part failed again after one year and two weeks. They covered the labor to replace it and I just paid for the part instead of having to pay for everything. They also tell you straight up if you dont need a service like a break flush if your break liquid is clean and in good shape with no leaks.

I’m so pleased with the experiences I’ve had here. I trust Rick and team to do quality work. They have replaced some major components of my vehicle for a lot less than I would have paid at the Mercedes dealership. Service is no frills and I have to get my own ride home rather than ride a shuttle, but it’s worth it to save hundreds if not more! Thanks Rick and team!

Friendly and professional! Probably the best auto mechanics shop in Champaign.

Super-friendly and accommodating. They did a minor repair for me that took 15 minutes, and charged ZERO labor dollars! There arent very many shops that would do that for a customer. I will be coming back to Ricks!

Fantastic shop! Ricks knowledge base is incredible. I like working with him. He has worked on Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, and Porsche for me. He has all of the software to work on late model and early model imports. Parts are ordered and received quickly. I love going to independent shops because you get to talk to the people working on your vehicle. Be sure to say hello to Kathy (Ricks wife), James, and Brandon. All quality people who know a lot about import vehicles. Ive been a customer for over one year and will continue well into the future. Dont let the building fool you. Look at the vehicles people are bringing to Rick.

They are good at what they do.

Recently took my high-mileage 07 Mazda 3 in, because I knew a front wheel bearing was going bad. Besides installing a new bearing, Rick and his guys informed me that both front lower control arms were close to shot. I had purchased a set of lower control arm months ago (hadnt installed them yet) and was pleasantly surprised they let me bring in those parts so they could install them. Also had new front rotors and brakes put on.Only took a day, and now my car drives like new - no noise and very smooth. Paid a fair price for quality work. Id recommend their service!

Very professional service. Great staff. They took care of my Mercedes C240, changing the spark plugs, ignition wires, and valve cover gasket. Car runs very well with no issues. Excellent service.

Had them take a look at my car - was making an odd braking noise. Charged me a half hour labor despite not really doing anything other than inspect the brakes.The girl who took my information didnt tell me there would be a charge just to look at the car. They need to set this expectation upfront. I will not be returning unless they credit my this towards any future work.

Competent, timely, reasonably priced. Rick is one of the best import-car mechanics you can find in this town. He and his staff were courteous and kept me informed during a recent repair for a broken vapor barrier. Would definitely recommend.

Theyre the most honest group of mechanics Ive ever met. Each one that I spoke to was polite and answered my questions with patience and was straightforward, which I appreciate in any person. They went above and beyond to help me with my car situation.

Rick did a fantastic job of doing a transmission replacement on my 2000 Saab 9-5. He sourced a good, used gearbox and replaced it quickly, while also addressing other problem areas on the car and installing aftermarket parts that I provided. His pricing is very fair and he is honest about when your car will be ready.Ricks shop is the only one in town that really deals with European and/or obscure makes of cars, so if you have a BMW, Audi, Porsche, Saab, etc., this is the best place to take it in the region.

I asked for a diagnosis of my engine, charge me for 3 hours of looking and couldnt find anything, spend 15 minutes myself diagnosing and I found out it was a bad mass air flow sensor. Id only recommend if money grew on trees.*Update*Ricks reached out to me and gave me store credit for further repair on my car. I responded to me very quickly and wanted to make things right. Changing my review from 1 to 4 stars since they didnt have to do that.

Rick is a quiet person, you may or may not relate. That said, if you want your car fixed correctly at a fair price you will very much relate. I feel lucky to have found him to keep my BMW working up to full potential.

They know what theyre doing. They keep you informed on what they find. More honest and skilled than my experiences with my trucks dealership. Reasonably priced and pretty quick service.

Great place to service your German car besides the dealer, I trust them more than the local BMW dealership here in Champaign. New ownership but so far so good.

The owner worked on my car himself since the problem on my car was tricky. Have been doing business with them for 3 years, they have great works and customer services. Highly recommend.

+12 Years ago my friend recommended Ricks to me. Rick and his team have provided impeccable service and maintenance for my vehicles. I have never trusted any mechanic more than Rick. I recommend this shop without hesitation.

Rick is such a nice guy!!!! Our wiper was not working in a snow day. We went to 2 other places and no one would like to check our car. But Rick just came outside and did a real quick check and fixed the problem. Soooooo grateful.

These guys are great. They did an awesome job on my car. I would definitely recommend.

Excellent and honest service for my 2014 BMW 740li. My advice, save some money by not going to the dealership for service. Instead, go to Ricks!

Jimmy at Ricks Automotive was so helpful and honest about what my car needed and didnt need! Who tells you what you dont need anymore, especially if they sell the products and provide the service? My Volvo is older, yet the service and enthusiasm for the care of my car was as if it were a brand new, special edition model. I will continue to trust my car to Ricks Automotive and especially Jimmy. I highly recommend Ricks Automotive if you want the job done right the first time at a fair price!

I was very happy with the service that was rendered on my vehicle. I really appreciate the courtesy of all personnel.

Changed the rear brakes on my 2012 Audi A8L great job and mechanics were knowledgeable and answered all the questions I had asked of them.

I am new to area and I researched the best auto shop.These guys were close to me and the highest star rating.Now i know why!They were above and beyond. Excellent Service with Friendly and Helpful Staff.They made my car worries a breeze and even gave me a ride to pick up my vehicle! I trust Ricks with all my future automative needs. Thanks and see yall again!

Rick has worked on my BMW 540i and my 335i and I can say without any hesitation that he is the best in towne. Very professional, excellent work. Would recommend to anyone.

Friendly and Great Service...I will definitely be going back.

Ive been taking my pre-owned 1998 Camry to Ricks for 16 years. I have peace-of-mind due to the Camry reliability and Rick and his staff of knowledgeable mechanics. The charges seem reasonable to me and the work has been done efficiently.

Prompt and professional service. Definitely will come again.

Rick has worked on my cars (Honda, VW, Audi) for the past 16 years. He is honest, reliable and reasonably priced. He definitely wont sell you something you dont need and he will work to make sure the repair is done correctly. He may be quiet, but he is an awesome mechanic. I highly recommend Ricks Automotive to anyone who is looking for an honest, talented mechanic.

I was having transmission issues with my car. The technicians here got the job done. Theyre very professional and very knowledgeable.

They were willing to do work on my car that other mechanics I called werent willing to do, and they did it at a fraction of the cost of other estimates I got. Very quick and quality work. Would definitely recommend.

I have been taking my car to Ricks for years, and they are very knowledgeable, kind, and honest.

I has used Ricks for several years and have found Rick Karsh to be an excellent technical problem-solver. He has that rare combination of intelligence, experience and pride in his work. His shop is the best. If you need car repair, go to Ricks.

Love mr Ricky good guy very proffessional

They did a radiator replacement and didnt put well a radiator hose. Please do not go to them, there are others way better.

Went there with a check engine light, fixed quickly and affordably. Fixed a few other issues that previous mechanic missed.Very straightforward with the charges.This is the place to go. I went to Car-X with the same issues and they seriously don’t know what they’re talking about. Avoid chain mechanics (for serious work) that try to mislead and exploit your ignorance with less than adequate technicians. Luckily I worked for a mechanic so I saw through their bs.

All the staff here is incredibly friendly and accommodating, and extremely knowledgable! My Jag runs better than the day I got her. Definitely the best place in Champaign, and imo the only place to take your foreign cars. Thanks Rick!

Weve used Rick for service on our cars (Toyota and Subaru) for 24 years. Weve found him consistently to be honest, knowledgeable, and reliable. If anyone asks me for an auto mechanic recommendation, I recommend Rick.

I appreciate how helpful and accommodating they have been everytime. I have had positive experiences before my most recent repair prior to my last out of state trip. But, when several items were missed during my last repair, my car was hard broke down in Tennessee for 5 days. Leaking oil gaskets, dying on start, destroyed spark plugs, another bad igniter coil, contaminated oil, and a broken airflow sensor. All of which were shown by misfire fault codes... I was lucky the damage to the engine wasnt permanent and had alternative transportation options down there.

Took my new-to-me classic VW to Rick for brake work and an oil change. He gave me updates and fixed the problem while fairly recommending a few other things that could be done in the future. I will definitely be back.

Needed new brake pads. Ricks was $200 cheaper than the dealer. Fast service. Will be back.

Very nice guys. Took a free look at my car after I got an estimate from a dealer and was completely honest about the damages. Saved me $650.

Amazing!! Super professional, extremely helpful, helped explain everything in detail.

Great, did a quick fix to my car for free!

Ive always had a positive experience with these guys

Went in with my mini cooper engine light on, i had been to two shops to check it first one said didn’t know how to fix second one said my car wasn’t worth fixing, Josh worked on my car had fixed in about an hour everyone was very friendly, honest people here, thanks for fixing my car!!

They are really professional and get things sorted really fast.

Ive been taking our cars (BMW) to Ricks for a couple of years now and I am very satisfied with their knowledge of our cars and the quality of work performed. Getting ready to add another vehicle (Porsche) to the mix and I am excited to have Ricks available to do the work on it.

Rick is an expert in early model (60s and 70s era) Porsches. This is the top shop in the region for work on rare classics.Update, May 2020: Rick retired and took all his knowledge of early Porsches with him. The new management seem like they know what they are doing, but they had to rebuild from scratch.

They squeezed me in last minute and had my car ready for me by 8am the next day. Super quick service and very friendly staff!

Honest opinion that I couldnt get from the dealerships here in town on my 02 jaguar xtype...

The most fair and honest shop I have ever been to, and tgey do great work.

Wont go anywhere else to take my BMW. Rick takes care of everything and always gives a fair and honest price.

I have been going to Ricks for 9 years (BMW & Audi). I have always had great service. They dont recommend unnecesary work and have done a great quality job consistently for me.

Took me same day and had my car repaired (misfire and wiring needed work) within hours. Courteous staff too!

Misdiagnosed a good wheel bearing as bad. Update: This was a friendss car.

I got my oil changed in 3 hours without a appointment in advance. They are really fast

Spoke with a mechanic named Jimmy who was very rude and unprofessional over the phone. I was planning on taking my car in to have a diagnostic done to see what the issues was, after I asked to speak with the owner, who I had discussed my car issues with earlier in the day, Jimmy told me that that was too bad and hung up the phone one me. Needless to say they just lost my current and future business.

Excellent above and beyond service

Saved me from a week of waiting and getting gouged for over $3000 at a different garage, and was really helpful in explaining the problem and the fix. Probably the most respect Ive had for any mechanic Ive met.

Not very good place.

Super rude this guy was rushing me about an appointment when I was trying to figure out when will be a good time to do it but instead he rushed me and was being super rude.

Great place

Always high quality work.

Honest team and reasonable prices

Great Customer Service at a timely fashion

Ricks shop is a gem. Dont go to the dealer or as I put it the stealer.