Hm...Jim Burke Ford.  My ex-husband and I purchased a car from them in 1986.  It was an '83 Cadillac Coupe de Ville with approximately 30,000 miles on it.  Four months after we purchased it, we had to have the entire engine replaced to the tune of over $4,000.  6 months later, we also had to have the transmission overhauled; another $1200.  That was it for me and Jim Burke Ford, AND General Motors.

And about 4 years ago, one of the limos of the company I work for was taken to JB Ford for work.  Trustingly, the half-full alcohol decanters were left in the car.  When the car was returned, the decanters were empty.

I've had good experiences with Jim Burke and my guess is you'll find someone who has had a bad experience with any one of the car dealers here in town.  One exception was back in 1977 when we bought a new pickup and I had to take it back to them to have the A/C installed.  (they didn't all come that way back then.)  When I called to set up the appt. they told me to have it there early and it was a one day job.  I lived in Tehachapi at the time and had my infant grandson with me.  My sister picked me up, we shopped, and ate, and visited until time to pick up the truck.  When I got back there at 5 pm I was told "oh no..it's always a at least a two day job."  I was furious..not to mention being stranded here in Bakersfield with an infant.  They said they didn't do loaners.  I hopped up and down and hollered and threatened until they found me car one of the salesmen had been using.  Because they finally accommodated me, we bought an additional truck there the next year.

When I bought my Sonata there a couple of years ago there was some minor thing wrong with it after a few days (so minor I even forgot what it was) and my salesman had me bring it right back and gave me a loaner.  Weird little suv'ie type thing with the grearshift on the dashboard.    Anyway..they did right by me and it wasn't even a new car..or a Ford.    Also, since I didn't use my other car for a trade in and my family was out of town, they drove my old car home for me.  I sure can't complain.

Jim Burke Ford "lost" my brand new car when I took it in for an oil change and warranty service.  It took the better part of two hours to locate my car.  It wasn't until I informed the service manager I was going to call the police and report my car as stolen that they quickly "found" it. - At the entrance to the service bay.   My guess is they used my car to deliver parts or pick up lunch.  They had done NO work on it and wanted me to leave it so they could complete the work.  I couldn't believe their nerve.

My son had an oil change performed there on his brand new Ford Focus and thought everything was OK until he got another oil change done at the Ford dealership in Salt Lake City, Utah.   The dealer in Utah just notified my son Jim Burke Ford installed the incorrect oil filter and incorrect oil in his brand new car.  (I've heard of drumming up business, but this is ridiculous!)

He had the dealer in Utah write a letter testifying their findings and he is going to contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair in Sacramento and file a formal complaint.

I wouldn't take my car back to Jim Burke Ford again for any amount of money!

Posted by Drummel:

Customer service is huge in my book. If the business is going to get a dime from me, they better be courteous and acknowledge my presence.