AutoNation Ford Margate

I brought my 2018 Ford Explorer into AutoNation Margate for a "wind" noise that sounded like it was coming from around the windshield or from behind the dashboard. Jose, the service advisor listened to my for a "wind" noise that sounded like it was coming from around the windshield or from behind the dashboard. Jose, the service advisor listened to my description and said it sounded like a plastic part at the bottom of the windshield. He took me out to my car to show me what he was talking about. I asked him for a rough estimate. He was reluctant to give me a number but offered $600 to $800, then said $400 to $600, then said, he wasn't really sure. That he could give me a better price once the tech looked at it. We went back inside where he informed me I would be charged $199.95 for diagnosing the problem, then he would call me with the price. I agreed. He called & texted me the next day with a price of $1011 dollars. I asked him in a text if he could give me the part number & name of the part so I could look it up and ascertain if I could make the repairs myself. I felt like it was a reasonable request since I was already into AutoNation for $199.95 to diagnose the problem. I talked with him on the phone later and he told me it was against AutoNation policy to give the part number and description. He was professional and kind but was not able to give me the info. He asked me if I wanted them to do the work or if I planned to pick up the car. I explained to him I wasn't expecting the price to be so high and I wasn't certain I could afford the repair. We talked a bit more, he told me my original concern about the windshield wasn't a safety issue, that I could continue driving the car if the noise wasn't too bothersome. And then asked me, if there was a price I had in mind for the repairs. I told him since he had given me the ballpark prices earlier when I brought the car in, that I was thinking the price wouldn't be over $800. He said he would talk to his manager and get back to me. About 15 minutes later, he called and said they could do $800 and I authorized the work. Approx 2 hours later, he called and said the work was done, I could pick it up. The next morning I picked the car up and paid Jose for the services and thanked him for helping me out. The repair took care of the noise and I was very happy. After I got home, I used the invoice to look up the part and how to make the repair myself. This is the 3rd Explorer I've had. My 2nd one was only 2 years old when it started making the exact same noise. I traded it before it needed to be repaired. I was understandably curious since I had experienced this problem before. And also because Jose, my service advisor, seemed to know right away what the problem was. Anyway, as I researched the problem on the internet, I found out this is a common problem. I also found out the part could be bought for around $200 from a Ford dealer or a little less in the aftermarket. As far as making the repairs, YouTube is full of step by step video instructions on how to make this fast and easy repair. As I do most of my home repairs and a lot of the stuff on my cars, I could have easily done this work in a couple hours or less, which is more or less what it took the tech to do it at AutoNation. Guess my long-winded review can be summed up by a few questions and conclusions. One, it's clear that Ford knows this is a problem by the quick informal diagnostic from my service advisor and also by all the comments on YouTube. Two, I was charged $481 incl tax for the labor to diagnose & make the repair. Based on my research, I'm confident it they could have done it in a couple hours at most, for much less cost. Three, I was charged $314 incl tax for the part. I found a genuine Ford part for under $200 but with shipping it may have been closer to AutoNation's cost. At the end of the day, I can't say I'm sorry I had the repairs done at AutoNation. They dealt with me professionally and did a good job. But I felt like they could have been a little more transparent and honest so I could feel better about my decision to move forward with them. We are a For More

Very customer oriented and very proactive in dealing with my needs. I left a dealer closer to home because of horrible scheduling and I am now committed to Auto Nation Ford Margate be cause they are 100% bet my needs. I left a dealer closer to home because of horrible scheduling and I am now committed to Auto Nation Ford Margate be cause they are 100% better. Thanks More

Carlos was an excellent Service Rep. He explained everything well and was very good with communication. I did not know that the tires would not be genuine FORD parts. Please communi He explained everything well and was very good with communication. I did not know that the tires would not be genuine FORD parts. Please communicate that next time. Carlos was the BEST rep I have ever had at any service department. More

As always ,a great experience! The service specialist Jeff treated me very well ,and my vehicle is running smoothly. The service specialist Jeff treated me very well ,and my vehicle is running smoothly. More

Anthony kept me informed at all times about the status of my vehicle. He reviewed everything with me before proceeding with any work. The quality of service was fantastic! my vehicle. He reviewed everything with me before proceeding with any work. The quality of service was fantastic! More

Maria and the team did a fantastic job. I would Highly recommend using AutoNation Ford of Margate. The service from start to finish, was exceptional from making it convenient to getting the I would Highly recommend using AutoNation Ford of Margate. The service from start to finish, was exceptional from making it convenient to getting the job done, and then delivering my vehicle back to me. The communication was nonstop throughout the process More

The splash guards underneath the engine compartment in the front end of the car were ripped off during the flood a couple of weeks ago. I was able to go in without an appointment, and they sent me home wi the front end of the car were ripped off during the flood a couple of weeks ago. I was able to go in without an appointment, and they sent me home with a repaired vehicle in three hours! More

Maria was very helpful and took me on time The work was not completed due to a part had to do ordered I will bring the car back soon Very pleased with the services not completed due to a part had to do ordered I will bring the car back soon Very pleased with the services More

Excellent service from Charley and in Spanish. I do not waist time he take care ina a timely manner. I do not waist time he take care ina a timely manner. More

Representatives are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They explained everything that had to be done. Excellent They explained everything that had to be done. Excellent More