Complaint Review: Cottman Transmission

12/26/07
Screwed at Cottman



I am writing in regard to your store located at 5911 Chimney Rock in Houston, Texas. On Tuesday, December 10, I made a visit to get the free transmission check due to my van having water in the fluid. Upon inspection Kirk an employee explains to me that water was still in the transmission and how they could fix the problem. My response was " At this time I cannot afford a two thousand dollar repair bill". He assured me that the bill was not going to be that much because all they needed to do was replace some not all parts of the tar converter and clean the water out. I told Kirk that I would come back after the Holidays when my financial status improved. He asked me, " So what did you come here for"? I explain to him I wanted a professional to take a look at my vehicle. Kirk was extremely adamant about getting the business as well as aware of my financial situation. He offers two credit place that would surely help and how they offered in house finance as well. With all those selling technique and the trust I put into a reputable company I agreed. We agreed no more than six hundred give or take. This was the worst thing I could have ever done. Kirk called the following day and let me know how much it was going to cost and surely, first I was told about the $2,700 package, and a $2,300 package. I was floored. I asked about the six hundred dollars we talked about, no such deal. I ask how much to get my van back? I was told $350.00 and it will not work as I drove it in, and I would need a wrecker to hall it off.
After talking with the General manager he lower the price to $1900.00, however, I would have to come up with half for them to start the work. We are still at the $2,000 mark. Remarkable, how they just dropped the price for me, why not this lower price at first. I was still in a bind with a financial situation. I was only approved for a $500.00 loan along with a $500.00 in house loan, in which can only be applied after I pay the $900.00. According to the General manager. Oh, but when I spoke with Scott the owner, in house credit mean they will not charge me for my van on their property until I could afford to pay in full. Scott also stated, " If I didn't understand in house credit why I didn't ask question." I explained to him what is general meant when someone offer in house credit. I feel I have been screwed. This is not good business. If a customer tells the employee which one can or cannot afford, why would Kirk pressure a customer into falling into this trap? Kirk should have been more honest and tell me once we go in the charges could escalate? Had I known surely I would have waited. In Kirk's profession surely this is not the first he has seen, as far as repairs and should have given me a broader scope of cost. Why keep hidden charges?
On 12/20/07 I thought I could pick up my van, with the supposed in house credit, only to be told payment must be made in full. Again, I began the struggle of coming up with the final payment. On 12/26/07 I borrowed the remaining $650.00 desperate because I feared more charge for storage. I had to ask for a receipt to show I paid cash. The receipt states boldly, not to be used as a final payment receipt, When I asked for a final payment receipt or if someone can sign for it, Kirk replied, " what will this be used for?" I told him my records. One of the other employees came up and shouted to me, " isn't there something else you can be doing on the day after Christmas? This is a shame for them to continue doing business in such an unprofessional manner. Kirk signs the paper but didn't put his name, as I know it, he signed another name and stated it is his other name.
Honest is the best policy thus it drives in more business. I believe Cottman's knew once the charges added up with or without finance problems I would need my transportation and try to do all I can to get my van back, and the company can still prosper off the easy to fool. How impeccable of worthy employees to derive more business for the company in such a deceiving manner. If this is the way Cottman does business you can count ME OUT. After this changing my oil for free would be an insult. I was burnt and I am not a happy camper.

Loretta XXXXXXX
Houston, Texas 77020

Loretta
houston, Texas
U.S.A.

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