Chicago: Thom's Four Wheel Drive

[the jeep]

Anybody have any experience with these guys in Chicago? There's too many options to choose from in phone book, but these guys seem to know their jeeps. spoke to Thom or the other Tom today on the phone today about some work I need done. A donated bad of non-perishable food for the food depository gets you a free inspection too.

http://www.thomsfourwheeldrive.com/

[tonyrio]

You might also try Lou's Sales & Service in Geneva if you haven't already. They really know Jeeps... that's basically all they do as they use to be a small Jeep dealership until the mid-90's. They can be a little pricey tho. But you would have a tough time finding a place that knows Jeeps (especially older ones) better IMO.

[DerekTJeep]

I see that they are hiring mechanics. Maybe something to look in if anyone needs a job.

[847JeffL]

There's also McHenry 4x4 in McHenry Co. Delf's Jeep in Waukegan is an older dealer and still has some NOS and the last time I talked to the service dept they still had a "oldguy" who knew how to work on the older vehicles.

[the jeep]

Thanks for the advice. I know of McHenry but I live down in the city and needed options in my neighborhood. Thom's had some good reviews online, if you trust what you read online. I dropped the wag off there this morning. $125/hr labor. Seems steep, but it is Chicago and it's actually less than what I paid in Boston for work on a YJ I owned. I'll let you know how things turn out.

[DerekTJeep]

There is a place that is pretty cheap. It's Howard Auto Repair on HOward/California. That is 7600 N/2800 W. THey did work on my 1990 Grand Wagoneer in the past.

I believe they were $75/hour.

[dlowrance]

Delf's Jeep in Waukegan is an older dealer and still has some NOS and the last time I talked to the service dept they still had a "oldguy" who knew how to work on the older vehicles.

Delf's has been there a LONG time...I remember my Dad going there when I was little and we lived up there on Green Bay Rd...

[AM Woody]

I didn't realize Thom's was still around, they used to be in a different location. I don't know anyone who has used them, but looks like they've expanded so that's a good sign. You're probably better off with a specialist who will be more familiar with our trucks, than some random garage.

Another nearby Chicago option is Allbright Automotive on Irving Park Road, just east of Western Ave. It's another one of those old Jeep dealerships in a cool little building. There's been a pretty sanitary Grand Wag in the showroom last couple times I've driven by. They do service, but I haven't used them either. I have bought parts there, though, they keep a lot of stuff in stock and can order mopar.

[fsj85]

It's just my opinion but I would stay clear of Delf's. While it's true they were good to customers in the past, that is no longer the case. After years of being loyal customers we will never go back there because of things like missing fasteners, multiple misdiagnosis,the highest estimates, etc. Again it's just my opinion. I have heard good things about Lou and talked to him a couple of times, even if his prices are higher, IMHO it would be worth it, he sounds like he knows his stuff and cares.

[tonyrio]

It's just my opinion but I would stay clear of Delf's. While it's true they were good to customers in the past, that is no longer the case. After years of being loyal customers we will never go back there because of things like missing fasteners, multiple misdiagnosis,the highest estimates, etc. Again it's just my opinion. I have heard good things about Lou and talked to him a couple of times, even if his prices are higher, IMHO it would be worth it, he sounds like he knows his stuff and cares.

The best part about Lou's is their parts guy Ken. His knowledge of Jeep parts, new and old, is encyclopedic. Every time I have been in there for something he doesn't even need to look up the part number most of the time. It's almost a little scary much he knows.

[847JeffL]

It's just my opinion but I would stay clear of Delf's. While it's true they were good to customers in the past, that is no longer the case. After years of being loyal customers we will never go back there because of things like missing fasteners, multiple misdiagnosis,the highest estimates, etc. Again it's just my opinion. I have heard good things about Lou and talked to him a couple of times, even if his prices are higher, IMHO it would be worth it, he sounds like he knows his stuff and cares.

Thanks for the info, most of my dealing with them has been at the parts counter.

[testuser]

The best part about Lou's is their parts guy Ken. His knowledge of Jeep parts, new and old, is encyclopedic. Every time I have been in there for something he doesn't even need to look up the part number most of the time. It's almost a little scary much he knows.

you mean Ted right?

[tonyrio]

you mean Ted right?

Yup.. Ted. I always get that screwed up.

[the jeep]

just to follow up on Thom's.

Had generally a good experience with them. sucks that a 4 hour service on my truck costs nearly what i paid for it. funny how that works. i think they're really knowledgeable there and would recommend them if you need expert work done. save cash and take it elsewhere for tune ups. Thom kind of talks to you like you're an idiot, i don't blame him though, most people he probably deals with are just that. definitely takes the time to tell you exactly what to expect and what they performed.

they inspection for a bag of food deal is great. pointed out many problems that the truck has that i wasn't necessarily aware of and takes the time to note the priorities of all of them.