Aamco Transmissions Owner of franchise physically threatens and verbally abuses a 69 year old man; then calls police Shrewsbury Massachusetts
Aamco had my Ford Windstar Minivan for six days (although they promised to repair it quickly). They estimated a $770 cost to take apart the transmission, and an additional $800 to repair it.
Once they had the car for six days, the fee jumped--without explanation--to $2600. This means that, disregarding the "take apart fee" the repair cost went from $800 to $1,800--far too great a margin of error, don't you think?.
Phone calls to other reputable transmission companies indicated that the cost for the repair should, under ANY circumstances, have not exceeded $2000. EVERY other transmission company I called or interviewed quoted--not estimated--prices of under $2000. Not Aamco.
So, I went to the Aamco dealer in person, and I brought my dad, who will be 70 years old on his next birthday. He knows about cars and has family who sell car parts.
When we began a polite, yet pointed, dialogue with the "front man," Chris Adams, he was visibly shaking and encouraged us to call back tomorrow. Then, when we accused his business of being fraudulent, the owner, Mr. William J. DiBenedetto, came rushing out from the back room.
He physically threatened my elderly dad, verbally abused him, and subsequently called the Shrewsbury Police to "remove" us from his property. I later learned that the business is for sale--check it out online. I think that Mr. DiBenedetto's business is going under, and he needs all the money he can get. And, he's willing to go after that money by overcharging his customers; when that doesn't work, he tries to physically punish and threaten elderly men.
Would you buy (for $391 thousand) an Aamco Transmission franchise that Mr. DiBenedetto has driven into the ground? I hope not. Would you do business with him? I hope not. Even the police officer who arrived on the scene had to chastise Mr. DiBenedetto for his shouting and inappropriate behavior, and that was his behavior with the police present! Can you imagine how out of line he was prior to that?
The resolution came with the police officer getting a commitment from Mr. DiBenedetto not to charge me for the initial work, and now I have another company towing the car for free and repairing it--for, yes, only $1800! Hmmm. Why would Mr. DiBenedetto charge $2600 when another company is towing it for free and repairing it for $1800?
By the way, the other company is InterState Transmission on Route 20 in Auburn, Massachusetts--great people; they've been in business for 20 years. They're honest, and have been to court to serve as "experts" against Mr. DiBenedetto's fraudulence in the past. And, as "experts" they helped other people to win their cases.
My friends, do NOT fall victim to Shrewsbury's Aamco or to Mr. DiBenedetto! He'll "estimate" costs and then finally quote you a price that no one can afford! He's a very shady businessman. Interestingly enough, I've copied for you and excerpt from William J. DiBenedetto's website. Read it below and know that it is all lies!
LIES FROM HIS PERSONAL WEBSITE!
"As a resident and businessman Bill is also committed to serving the community with honesty and integrity. He knows that all too often the automotive industry leaves the public with a feeling of distrust. At AAMCO of Shrewsbury/Worcester, you will know that you were treated honestly and fairly because it shows in the workmanship and the dealings with each and every person that walks into the center."
ALL LIES!
Carol
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
U.S.A.
7 Updates & Rebuttals
Sinkiller
Nyc,New York,
U.S.A.
Noone believes one word of your rebuttal Mrs Debenitto
#8Consumer Comment
Tue, October 02, 2007
Noone believes one word of your rebuttal Mrs Debenitto
Robin
Worcester,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
my experience with Aamco Shrewsbury
#8REBUTTAL Owner of company
Wed, April 18, 2007
I feel compelled to respond to the article from Cavanaugh about the AAMCO center in Shrewsbury, MA and her personal attack on Mr. DiBenedetto. My vehicles have been serviced many times by that center over the past several years. In fact, they also serviced my eighty year old father's car too. Both of us have been treated professionally and the service performed has been great! I know Mr. DiBenedetto and I can tell you first hand, that he is a person of integrity. He runs an honest shop and always explains the service needed and how much it will cost before any work is done.
I have always felt that he has helped me understand my car's needs and the reasons why things should get repaired. If I did not understand something, he would take the time to explain the problem and make sure that I clearly understood it to my level of satisfaction. His business is, by far, the most reputable auto repair center that I have ever dealt with.
Mr. DiBenedetto has always been a very nice and decent person to me and my father. I have always known him to care for and help others especially elderly folks. When my father took his car in for diagnostic service, Mr. DiBenedetto spent time explaining the need for dad's transmission to be reconditioned. In fact, he checked out the rest of the car and provided him the information which he needed to decide if the car was worth fixing. He gave him rides back and forth to the center while the car was being worked on and was quite helpful. The car left the center running great and its' still running great.
It is unfortunate that Ms. Cavanaugh feels the need to attack Mr. DiBenedetto in this way and in this format. From my point of view, he definitely deserves better.
Carol
Shrewsbury,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Aamco Dealer Threatens with Law Suit
#8Author of original report
Mon, October 23, 2006
My orginal report on this site (you can read it) said that Mr. DiBenedetto didn't charge me when he released my vehicle to me. Verbatim it reads:
-The resolution came with the police officer getting a commitment from Mr. DiBenedetto not to charge me for the initial work??
A day after the incident, Mr. DiBenedetto wanted my husband to sign a paper saying that this report would indicate that he hadn't charged us anything. Lo and behold, this report has said that since the moment it was posted. You see, folks, I did not wish to be unjust to Mr. DiBenedetto; rather I only wanted to print what really happened to me in his store, so others wouldn't face his unfair business practices and, later, his verbal abuse--as I had experienced both.
So, as a follow-up to my orginal report, I will reiterate here that I paid no money to Mr. DiBenedetto, that he did not charge me anything to release my car to me. Now I have complied with his demand for correction, although the "corrected" fact has been laid open since the orginal incident and the original report. Personally, I am still awaiting an apology from the man.
Jennifer
Guadalupe,California,
U.S.A.
To Mike
#8Consumer Suggestion
Tue, August 29, 2006
Hi I have seen you post under a few reports against AAMCO. Have you gotten your car back yet? What is going on with it? There is no excuse for 5 months, so I am confused. Have you contacted the BAR. Let me know, Thanks Jennifer
Jennifer
Guadalupe,California,
U.S.A.
To Mike
#8Consumer Suggestion
Tue, August 29, 2006
Hi I have seen you post under a few reports against AAMCO. Have you gotten your car back yet? What is going on with it? There is no excuse for 5 months, so I am confused. Have you contacted the BAR. Let me know, Thanks Jennifer
Jennifer
Guadalupe,California,
U.S.A.
To Mike
#8Consumer Suggestion
Tue, August 29, 2006
Hi I have seen you post under a few reports against AAMCO. Have you gotten your car back yet? What is going on with it? There is no excuse for 5 months, so I am confused. Have you contacted the BAR. Let me know, Thanks Jennifer
Mike
Moorpark,California,
U.S.A.
AMMCO low balls estimates then adds 2-3 thousand!!!
#8Consumer Comment
Tue, August 29, 2006
I am a victim of the same exact thing except my Amco is in California. After reading so so so many complaints about this company and experiencing the same exact thing myself right now.( still haven't had my car back fixed going on 5 months)
I now think that when you buy a Aamco they (corp) make you work like that so everyone gets more money for less work/time; IN my opinion THIS IS FRAUD!? RIGHT? Right now all I want is my money back but I have My own RIP OFF REPORT.COM filled. Note to editor please post this so the victim knows he is not alone, if you must remove some stuff it would be better than not sending through. THANK YOU