Rairdon's Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Bellingham

Left Screws Off Air Filter, Terrible Customer Service Wow, reading a prior customer's review, particularly vis a vis Derek's slick at first, then passive-aggressive/abuse behavior, really resonated. I'm a Wow, reading a prior customer's review, particularly vis a vis Derek's slick at first, then passive-aggressive/abuse behavior, really resonated. I'm an honest, decent human being and still cannot believe how I was treated by these people over a problem THEY ADMITTEDLY CREATED AND INJECTED INTO MY CAR - nor can my young daughter, who was left speechless witnessing this clown show. It's incredible how quickly certain short-sighted creatures in the customer service industry shift on a dime when things aren't easy in-and-out jobs and they can't stay in character. Incredible that they think it makes sense to turn on customers when problems arise instead of owning them and showing some sincere regret and customer service skills. I genuinely believe that the service arm of this dealership should be scrutinized/sanctioned by their affiliated car companies. Those in need of maintenance for their vehicles? Unless you're desperate and your options are few, I'd certainly go elsewhere. Oh, I suspect that if you go in with a basic job, ask no questions, get lucky with mechanics who don't render your car in worse shape than when you drove in (I've never actually experienced such a crazy phenomenon with any dealership in 48 years until Rairdon), care not about price, merrily move yourself along and buy into the phony, conveyor belt "care" people like Derek proffer you, then you may do okay here. Anything unexpected or more complicated and just be prepared to be treated like garbage. Watch grown men hide from you, ignore and ridicule you, deny the obvious, and pass the buck like toddlers. I scheduled a "major" 60k service job on my Jeep per the manual and related research online. The car manual actually suggests service items at 50k but because my car is about to be shipped overseas I thought I'd consolidate and do the 50k/60k checkup together at about 58k. We live a long distance from Bellingham but I figured these guys would be competent and trustworthy. I called to confirm the appointment with a service member and had a brief chat about it - nobody said I wouldn't need the service, which would have saved me a lot of time, $, and hassle. I arrived and was treated to a slick, over-the-top sunny welcome by Derek. You know: the "You betcha - anything you need - we're gonna fix ya right up and take great care of ya" kind of charm. I like nice - I am Minnesota nice. But this was all a bit insincere and saccharine given that I heard the "other Derek" speaking in entirely different tones to his colleagues. Anyhow, he said I didn't need the service. I told him I was going overseas, away from Jeep parts and service options for a few years so I really needed to be sure the car was in exceptional working order. (I could see they were very busy and sort of wondered if that might have something to do with this recommendation but who knows.) I thanked him for saving me the $400. He then convinced me to do an oil and filter change (which I could have done at Jiffy Lube for $30 in 15 minutes) and that he'd throw in a multi-point inspection and discount and free car wash. I didn't want a car wash but figured I had driven 90 minutes to Rairdon so having Jeep looked at by their "specialists" was still a good idea and it was still going to be under $100 so what the heck. Two of my daughters and I waited for I believe somewhere between 1 and 2 hours, Derek disappeared and I was ushered out eventually after paying. Not 10 minutes into our drive home after a gas stop we started noticing a bizarre, new, extremely loud and annoying buzzing/rattling/shaking sound coming from the engine area. Not knowing much about cars I thought, "Gee, is it the cheaper gas I put in? Is it because I'm running the A/C on a hot day?" My kids were as dumbstruck as I was. To make a long story short, a neighbor friend who knows a bit about cars looked under the hood and said "Wow, now that's lazy. There's your problem. They left two of the air filter screws off, conveniently the ones against the firewall that are a pain to put back in!" And sure enough: there is all sorts of colloquy devoted to this precise issue online. Those two screws demand attention! It's not reasonable to assume they merely forgot to put them in. And it's amazing how two screws can render a car ride so miserable but indeed that was the case. Blame Jeep for their silly engineering decision but gosh: Derek promises my car is going to get red-carpet treatment in preparation for our move overseas and I drive 3 hours out of my way to get a brand new annoying defect installed at his people's hands during a basic oil filter job. When I called to convey my concern, Derek denied this could be, was skeptical about the screws, insisted his people would never do such a thing, and really tried to make it about me. It was the "Lady, you are dreaming" treatment circa 1972, "but sure, you can bring the car in and we'll have a look." I started to get upset - as Derek was aware, my husband is representing our country in Afghanistan and rockets were being launched outside his door the very moment I was having to deal with this nonsense - so my patience threshold was admittedly low that day given the dicey situation. But I also knew I was right and being mistreated. So I said his reaction seemed really insincere and subpar and I hoped for more a genuine response. Here I would be having to drive another 3 hours yet again just to get screws put back in to make my driving bearable and an assurance that the rest of the filter job was done properly and his first reaction is to doubt me, the customer, and act as though I were some major burden in his happy day. Sure, he said get us in and out fast (I believe he said in 10 minutes!) and throw in a tank of gas when I demanded he do something else to honor their own mistake that had caused me a lot of hardwhip. I certainly thought a gas filling was reasonable. I mean, seriously, who goes in for an oil change and comes out with things so messed up? All of this was bad enought but the treatment I received on arrival at Rairdon for the re-screwing was beyond unbelievable. I called ahead, as Derek requested, to let him know I'd be there that day around 1 and when I arrived he saw me but scurried away and refused to acknowledge me. I dealt with someone else and we were left just awkwardly standing there, no greeting, no like "Hey there, sorry again about this. How was your drive down?" We had no idea how long it would really take, no idea what we were supposed to do, nada. He knew I was there - just two feet away from him. The manager also knew I was there and was well-versed on the issue. Yet no one said anything to us. In fact, the whole garage seemed to know about this. A swarm of about 5 guys (manager, Derek, head mechanic, et al.) went over to my car once the hood was open to examine it. Were they hoping to see that the little lady was crazy and wrong? Sorry guys. The little lady was right. We waited longer and finally asked Derek - cordially -whether we should go sit in the lounge or what we should be doing. No more nice Derek - he wouldn't even look me in the face, telling my daughter and I we could sit there if wanted or "out there on the stoop. It's your choice." Wow. Thanks for that red-carpet welcome over a problem, again, that YOU guys created. We were getting toward 40 minutes at that point and had an X-ray to get to so we went back out and, again, no one would acknowledge us. The car was sitting there with the hood down and no one around it. We saw Derek look at us and take off in the other direction. Finally, a kid drove it up front, gave me the keys, and acknowledged the screw issue and a broken bolt (also new)! I assumed there was paperwork so went back inside. No Derek, no anyone but the manager in his little office, ignoring us yet again. I knocked and excused myself and got nasty treatment straight away. He knew exactly who we were and he snapped "If you want your free gas how is anyone supposed to get it when you have the keys?" Say what?! The MANAGER is now being a total jerk to me too? Is this an alternative universe? I have done NOTHING wrong! I quicly told him I had JUST gotten the keys. He barked that the "kid" doesn't fill cars up. I honestly didn't care about gas at that point. We needed to be on our way and, again, it was incredibly disconcerting that this entire operation was treating me so horribly over a problem they created, a defect in my car that forced me to endure and go through hassles to get them to own it and fix. I will say that at least the manager himself got off his stump and filled the tank and I think he realized as we left and I explained to him the problem that I wasn't some lunatic. Meanwhile, perhaps Derek was angry that the manager was involved because it meant he'd get in trouble. Who knows? But I was treated to him telling me sarcastically he's "so sorry I live in _____ and had to drive down," that "the car's fixed, I'm done, you can leave now," and some other incredibly discourteous nonsense. I asked him why he hadn't at least greeted us and he yelled at me! Said "Oh, you were just sitting on your phone," gesturing in a mocking manner. How strange that Derek couldn't find his voice because I happened to be glancing down at a phone for part of the time. (For the record, Derek, my husband's flight out of Kabul for a much-needed vacation was cancelled and I was trying to get an update on where he might be.) Thanks for the gas, Rairdon - I do appreciate that the manager finally stood up and did SOMETHING/ANYTHING about a situation that obviously required managerial involvement after the whole time I was left standing there. A tank of gas, however, doesn't excuse a dealership's mechanics' laziness or ineptitude, the utterly stunning behavior of Derek (beware that guy!), or the manager himself's initial tactic to ignore me and then treat me like garbage. Too little too late. You know, I went to the same Honda dealership in Oakland, CA for 20 years with the most honest, competent, lovely, and caring folks. I know dealerships. And I know what I can reasonably expect from their service arms. I trusted the Jeep name and chose Rairdon on that basis, mistakenly thinking they would do a better job servicing the car, ensuring it was in top shape, and lending peace of mind as we prepare for another overseas move. Big mistake. The Rairdon service department sucks. Jeep people, it's time for a major overhaul in Bellingham. More

I love my new car For the first time ever I bought a car over the Internet. Scott Weber was awesome to work with. The entire deal was done via the phone and email. When For the first time ever I bought a car over the Internet. Scott Weber was awesome to work with. The entire deal was done via the phone and email. When I finally went to Bellingham to get my car it was even better than I'd hoped! I am a huge fan of Rairdon's in Bellingham. More

Great Experience!!! Rairdon's Dodge of Bellingham has an excellent customer service team! We recently purchased a Jeep Sports Unlimited and have to praise Brandon (our Sa Rairdon's Dodge of Bellingham has an excellent customer service team! We recently purchased a Jeep Sports Unlimited and have to praise Brandon (our Salesman) for his patience, honesty and willingness to go the extra mile in helping us purchase our Jeep. Brandon is very easy going and friendly. He listened to our desires and worked n unique package to get us the deal we needed. After the purchase a minor issue arose and Brandon assisted once again and the service department did an outstanding job in repairing the vehicle! Brandon is very easy to get in touch with and is there to help us long after the purchase of our Jeep. This is the first review I have ever given a car dealership but felt compelled to praise Radon's for their outstanding customer service and ability in getting us the deal we needed. I strongly recommend Rairdon's and especially Brandon to anyone wanting to purchase a new or used car! More

I'm so happy I found these guys. This was my first buying experience and it went awesome. Everyone there was really helpful in making this truck work for me. They were able to drop t This was my first buying experience and it went awesome. Everyone there was really helpful in making this truck work for me. They were able to drop the price from 14,700 to 11,700 and give me a full tank of gas and a 2 year yarinty with three years of free oil changes. These people exceed my expectations. Wanna give a special shout out to Scott Weber. He was the biggest help of all. When you go in ask for him he will hook you up. More

First Time Buyer I have never bought a vehicle from Rairdon Jeep before, but that changed recently. I had my eye set on a Grand Cherokee at a decent price, and Rairdo I have never bought a vehicle from Rairdon Jeep before, but that changed recently. I had my eye set on a Grand Cherokee at a decent price, and Rairdon delivered. I worked with Jay LeClair in sales, and he made the transaction smooth and seamless. There was no harassing, or excessive haggling, which I appreciated. I just wanted it done, and done quickly. Furthermore, Jay was able to secure a great loan for me with Chrysler Auto Credit. The sales process deserves 4 stars, and I can't say that about any other dealership through which I've bought a vehicle, ever. I would highly recommend this dealership to others who want a painless, enjoyable car experience. Thank you Jay and Rairdon Jeep. More

Out of Town Buy - Best Experience I am so happy with my 2010 XTerra Nissan purchase through the Bellingham Rairdon Dealership! I have bought from several dealerships and this is my bes I am so happy with my 2010 XTerra Nissan purchase through the Bellingham Rairdon Dealership! I have bought from several dealerships and this is my best experience yet. The whole process was professional, friendly, and well-informed. Aldo Huerta was my sales rep and highly recommend. He alleviated any buying stress and was able to answer all my questions. I live in Juneau Alaska and had the vehicle ferried up, and it worked out great! More

Great experience! Aldo was very friendly from the moment we met him and he was very helpful. It was a painless experience and I would recommend Rairdons of Bellingham! Aldo was very friendly from the moment we met him and he was very helpful. It was a painless experience and I would recommend Rairdons of Bellingham! More

Accused of taking advantage of situation I noticed that my vehicle was having a few issues (dash lights constantly on, sluggish going up hills, and need for reconnection of a safety feature) I noticed that my vehicle was having a few issues (dash lights constantly on, sluggish going up hills, and need for reconnection of a safety feature) and took it in for evaluation. I spoke with Derek who was very helpful and enthusiastic. He explained to me the problem with the dash lights was because a rodent had chewed through wires and he gave me a couple of helpful tips to keep them out. He recommended service that he thought would help the performance of the vehicle and said he would call me once the repair people had had an opportunity to examine the vehicle. He called me a couple hours later with the recommendations from the repair crew and quoted me a price and told me that I would have the car back in a few hours. I received a call a few hours later and Derek told me that the vehicle was ready and that they were able to fix the safety feature without having to replace the part and therefore save me $400! Good news! He also said that he would not be there when I came to pick up the jeep as he was ill and was leaving for the day. I said that was fine and thanked him. I made it to the dealer about an hour after he called and the receptionist presented me with the bill. Imagine my shock when it was more than the original quote by over $100.00! I told the receptionist that this was not what I was expecting and that my understanding was that it would be $400 less. She saw my distress and said "let me take it to the manager and see what he says" A few minutes later she returned with the bill lowered by $162. I asked her to explain to Derek that there had been a misunderstanding and to try to make it clearer the next time. The next day I had an angry message on my phone from Derek. His view was that he had been very clear with me about the quote and that he felt I had taken advantage of him by having the $162 deducted from my bill when he was not there and that the deduction was undeserved. He said if I wished to discuss it that I could call him, so I did. As soon as I tried to explain that I thought I was getting a deduction of $400 off the original quote, he cut me off and said he had explained it thoroughly to me and at no time was that amount to be deducted from the work that was done, but if I had needed the safety part replaced, it would have been $400 more (another dealer in town quoted me $200). He again repeated that the deduction I got was undeserved and he felt that he had been taken advantage of. If there was a misunderstanding, then it was innocent, not intentional and I didn't appreciate him talking to me like I was a lying I repeated to him what my understanding was only to have him cut me off again. I asked why the bill was more then the original quote and he said because of taxes. Well taxes were $80 not $162 I said that I had not requested any deduction but the receptionist had initiated the conversation with the manager on her own. He just did not want to hear from me at all and cut me off with everything I said. Finally I said that apparently we have had a misunderstanding and asked what I should do about it now? He said I shouldn't do anything. I told him I was disappointed in the customer service he was giving me and he went on to say "I have been in this business for over twenty years and give excellent customer service, and I went out of my way to help you yesterday and feel you have taken advantage of me", then he snidely wished me a happy new year. The conversation bothered me. I am a honest person and really felt unjustly accused. More

Scott made it work. Very happy with the deal AND my new car I went to Rairdons to test drive a car I did not buy as it wasn't what I wanted, but after Scott suggested I look at and drive the one I bought, it tu I went to Rairdons to test drive a car I did not buy as it wasn't what I wanted, but after Scott suggested I look at and drive the one I bought, it turned out to be exactly right. I wasn't in any hurry to buy a car, but I got such a great deal I went ahead. With the AMAZING trade in amount I got I think I saved at least $3,000 on the car. Scott was helpful and friendly and was there every step of the way, even let me go home and think about it overnight with no pressure. Thad in Finance was easy to work with as well. This is the 5th car we have bought from Rairdons!! More

Scott's So Nice, We Bought Twice!! We started off at a dealer in Everett, what an awful experience to the point I was not sure I even wanted a new vehicle anymore. We made a call to Sc We started off at a dealer in Everett, what an awful experience to the point I was not sure I even wanted a new vehicle anymore. We made a call to Scott and told him of what was going on in Everett and he said "no worry's, come here and I promise you I can do better". Rairdon's is our neighborhood shop, so we took him up on his offer on our way home about 7pm. He new exactly what we would need and options we didn't. Even sent text pics of the vehicles as we were driving back! He had the cars out and ready for us to drive without pressure. I wanted a Ram and my wife the 300, so different. Scott knew this and was able to work the numbers so great in our favor with our trades and the 2014 Ram 1500 with a used 2014 Chrysler 300 was ours. The whole team from Scott in sales, Manager Mitch, and finance John was wonderful to work with even stayin until about 11:30pm to get it done so we could leave with them that night! I think they were suppose to close at 8 that day. Here is the best part...I got my brand new Ram home and my daughter puts a ding in the door from our other car. I tell Scott this and boom fixed..no charge!! Amazing!! Scott seems to know everything about the cars he sells and answered my million questions without missing a beat. I could never have asked for more when going though two sales and trades!! I would tell anyone to work with this team if they are thinking about buying. More