Champion-Hargreaves Body Shop & Collision Center

Champion-Hargreaves Body Shop & Collision Center, located at 2000 12 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA, operates as a specialized "Auto Repair Station" within the broader Champion Hargreaves Chevrolet dealership. This center primarily focuses on collision repair and auto body work, serving not only Royal Oak but also the surrounding areas of Detroit, Warren, Troy, Madison Heights, Ferndale, and Clawson. They can be reached by phone at (248) 397-5117 or via mobile at +1 248-397-5117. Their collision center hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

As part of a larger dealership group, Champion-Hargreaves Body Shop & Collision Center is expected to have a well-equipped and modern facility designed to handle extensive collision repairs. The center emphasizes its use of "state-of-the-art body shop utilizes the latest in cutting-edge technology" and claims to be an "iCar Gold Class designation" holder, which signifies the highest training honor in the collision repair industry. This suggests a commitment to advanced repair techniques and quality equipment. Amenities available to customers within the larger dealership environment often include comfortable waiting areas with complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and refreshments. They also offer a "FREE Vehicle Cleanup After Repairs" including wash, vacuum, and wipe down, aiming to return vehicles in pristine condition. Their process typically involves a free estimate, assistance with insurance claims, and coordination for rental vehicles, aiming to make the post-accident repair process as seamless as possible.

Champion-Hargreaves Body Shop & Collision Center specializes in returning vehicles to their pre-accident condition, offering a range of services under the umbrella of an "Auto Repair Station" specifically for body and collision work:

• Auto Body Repair: This is their core service, addressing damage from minor fender benders to major automotive collisions. They work on "all makes and models, from newer vehicles to vintage classics."
• Auto Paint Repair: Including matching and refinishing to seamlessly integrate repaired sections with the original vehicle paintwork.
• GM Original Equipment (OE) Parts: As a GM dealership body shop, they emphasize the use of GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco OE parts. These parts are guaranteed to provide proper form, fit, and finish, maintaining the vehicle's structural integrity and safety standards. This is a significant advantage for owners of GM vehicles.
• Frame Straightening and Alignment: Addressing structural damage to ensure the vehicle's frame is restored to factory specifications.
• Deer Hit Specialists: They specifically cater to repairs resulting from deer collisions, which can be common in Michigan.
• Insurance Claim Assistance: The team assists customers with navigating insurance claims, providing necessary documentation and guidance through the process.
• Free Estimates: Customers can get a free estimate either online or in-person for their repair needs.

Their focus is on restoring vehicles not just cosmetically, but structurally and safely, utilizing manufacturer-recommended repair procedures where applicable.

The customer reviews for Champion-Hargreaves Body Shop & Collision Center present a highly polarized view of their operations, showcasing both strong positive and significant negative experiences:

Positive Features (as described by satisfied customers):

• Professional Communication: One positive review specifically praises Peter for being "very professional and respectful" and keeping the customer "informed during the whole process." This highlights effective communication and a courteous approach.
• Timely Completion: The work done was described as "completed promptly," indicating efficiency in service delivery.
• Quality of Work (in some cases): For some customers, the work was satisfactory, with one being "Extremely pleased with the work that was done."

Negative Features (as described by dissatisfied customers):

• Substandard Repair Quality: A detailed negative review highlights significant issues, including a "gapped open and flopping around" trim, a door that "didn't shut correctly," and the use of "damaged trim from the door in the accident." This directly contradicts the promise of making the car "like new." The issue reportedly persisted after multiple attempts at repair.
• Lack of Professionalism and Retaliation: The most severe criticism involves alleged unprofessional conduct from a manager. This includes attempts to "belittle," "gas light," and prolong a customer's visit with repetitive questions, seemingly as "retaliation" for a negative survey. This indicates a highly concerning disregard for customer respect and an inappropriate response to feedback.
• Poor Attention to Detail/Cleanliness: The car was reportedly left "a mess with dust and some sort of paste all over the door handle," suggesting a lack of care during the repair process and final cleanup.
• Deceptive Practices: The accusation that the shop "used the damaged trim from the door in the accident" despite knowing it was faulty, leading to water and salt exposure inside the door, points to potentially unethical and dangerous practices.
• Wasted Time and Harassment: The customer described enduring "harassment, time wasted, and embarrassment," painting a picture of a severely distressing experience.

These contrasting reviews suggest a significant inconsistency in customer experience, with some customers receiving professional and satisfactory service, while others encounter severe issues with repair quality, professionalism, and ethical conduct. The negative review particularly raises red flags regarding management behavior and the integrity of repairs.

Champion-Hargreaves Body Shop & Collision Center promotes itself through several aspects, often aligning with dealership standards:

• Expertise and Certification: Their claim of "iCar Gold Class designation" and use of "factory-trained technicians" is a key promotional point, suggesting high-level expertise in collision repair.
• Use of GM Original Equipment Parts: For GM vehicle owners, the commitment to using genuine OEM parts is a significant advantage, as it ensures proper fit, function, and preservation of the vehicle's original condition and potentially its resale value.
• Comprehensive Collision Services: They position themselves as a full-service body shop capable of handling everything from minor dents to major accident damage on a wide range of vehicle makes and models.
• Customer Convenience Services: Offering free estimates, insurance claim assistance, and rental car coordination aims to ease the burden on customers after an accident.
• Warranty: While specific details on their body shop warranty are not provided in the prompt, typical dealership body shops often offer warranties on repairs. Other Champion Hargreaves service centers offer 12-month/unlimited miles warranty on GM installed parts.

However, the severe negative feedback regarding repair quality, customer treatment, and professionalism directly challenges these promotional points. For local users in Royal Oak, Champion-Hargreaves Body Shop & Collision Center presents itself as a capable option for collision repair, particularly for GM vehicles due to their OEM parts focus. However, prospective customers should be aware of the mixed reviews, especially concerning the consistency of repair quality and the potential for negative customer service experiences. It would be prudent for customers to clarify all aspects of the repair, confirm the use of new, undamaged parts, and maintain clear communication throughout the process.