Big O Tires & Service Centers - Gardner

Think twice before going to Big O Tires!

I wish I could provide you with a better review on this business but I've had nothing but a poor and bad experience with this tire and car service business. Maybe my experience with them is more of an exception than the rule but I really believe that I need to warn you to either go somewhere else or at least get a 2nd opinion before you have Big O Tires in Gardner, KS work on your vehicle.

Tires are no doubt Big O Tires’ best forte but when it comes to other vehicle services .... think twice before you entrust your vehicle to them.

Recently, I brought my vehicle in and had some exhaust system work diagnosed and completed by them that cost me over $350 dollars. After the repair was made, I have since had to bring it back to them on 3 separate occasions for the same problem and now to my chagrin, I have found out from another Big O Tire affiliate that these services weren't needed and that a different repair is going to be required that will cost another $500 and they will not warranty another affiliates services outside of their tires.

In total frustration, I was finally able to speak with Leslie Foster, owner of the Big O Tire in Gardner and from the beginning of the conversation (after 4 unanswered calls and messages that I had left over the last 4 months), Mr Foster was very belligerent and I had told him that I did not appreciate how he was speaking to me as customer and he further insinuated that this was being typical of being in the "USA", someone asking for something for free. Where did this comment come from? What did I pay for when I gave them over $350? The explanation that I got was ….. the computer said this was the problem and they repaired it ….. if this was the case why after a week of the repair that I had to bring the vehicle back to his shop for what the computer said was the same problem. In fact, they had reset the idiot lights 2 additional times since and each time they admitted that it had the same error code. Now that I went to another Big O Tire affiliate and it has been diagnosed as having a completely different error code that will require a completely different repair. If Big O Tire in Gardner made a mis-diagnosis, please say so and all I had asked Mr Foster was if this was the case, if he would be willing to at least warranty or cover any of the labor costs that it will be to have the final and correct repair completed and I would pay for the parts.

His solution to this very unfortunate situation was very typical of how this conversation was going …. Sorry, we repaired what the computer said what was the problem at the time and I can not explain why the same error codes kept on coming up again 3 times after we repaired it and now that I took it to another shop …… it must be a different problem and you’re on your own on getting that repaired.

I am both ashamed and embarrassed for Mr. Foster that he has this impression that all Americans are looking for "something for free." I would have thought Mr Foster would have had a different attitude about being an American and that he would be proud to be called one, stand behind his work, his peers, his mechanics and also be more than will to take ownership of the services that his company provides to the hard working "Americans" that pay him.

Needless to say, I will not be going back to Leslie Foster's Big O Tires in Gardner, KS unless it's for a personal apology and/or a credit for the labor that it's be for the correct repairs that will need to be done.

Please think twice before going to the owned and managed business of Leslie Foster in Gardner, KS.

I've gone to Big O for: tire rotation, flat tire fixes, slow loss of air fixes and having a boat trailer tire fixed.

My experience has been good. They are quick, very inexpensive and the people are professional and that's why I go back.

I'd recommend them without any hesitation.

Comments (1)

very happy - 05/12/09
I agree with you 100% They are great.

It took a little longer than they expected, they were waiting on a part to be delivered, and the owner bought me lunch accross the street. Something completely out of there control and they still just wanted to make me a satisfied customer. Well it worked!