Transmission Citi Larry ***Buyer BEWARE!*** Bait and Switch! Internet
After speaking with Larry from Transmission Citi and given a quote on a transmission rebuild ($1197.00) on February 22, our car was towed to a local repair facility. Later that day, we were told to sign a contract authorizing repairs.
The next day (Feb 23), we were told to submit a $900 non-refundable deposit and another contract authorizing further deposits before they could start working on our vehicle. At this point, my husband and I became very leary of the company and wanted the vehicle released. We could not get the car out without paying $400 ($250 for work already performed + $150 towing).
When I called the shop (J&F Transmissions) directly earlier on February 24, I was told that a tow charge from my area to his shop is $75 and diagnostic work is always free whether he does the work or not. When I went to pay the release fee, the owner of the shop informed me that those were not his fees, but the fees of Transmission Citi and he had no control over them.
Its notable, as well, that the $400 release fee had to be paid in cash "in case I put a stop payment on the credit card or check." Transmission Citi was more than willing to accept a credit card for the deposit so I'm confused as why I was required to pay in cash to get my vehicle released.
I've filed a report with the Better Business Bureau and plan to file a complaint with the State Attorney General. I'm also planning on filing a suit in small claims court.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Robert
South San Francisco,California,
U.S.A.
The reputation is true!!
#4Consumer Comment
Mon, September 13, 2010
I own an auto repair shop in Lewisville, TX and have heard horror stories about this place. We had the opportunity to do work for them, before I knew their reputation, and I am glad we refused.
The best thing I can recommend is file complaints with the BBB, and, most importantly, the State Attorney General: both in your state and in Texas, where they are located. It amazes me that the state has not completely shut them down and thrown the owner in jail for interstate fraud.
John
United States of AmericaIn the same boat
#4Consumer Comment
Thu, August 19, 2010
My wife and I had the exact same thing happen to us with our car that needed a transmission rebuild. They quoted $1,700 for the parts, labor, taxes and towing but then the shop wanted an additional $1,800 for the job. When we tried to get the car back, the shop demanded $900 for the "work" they did so far, which was nothing. They also kept the car for 6 weeks and failed to fix the transmission propertly. The local shop also claimed not to receive any of the $1,700 from Transmission Citi. Anyway, we just won a lawsuit against Transmission Citi and the local shop. I wish you luck in your law suit.
Michael&Jennifer
Edmond,Oklahoma,
USA
Transmission Citi Transmission Heaven Nationwide Transmissions TranOne Larry Duncan Andrea Duncan
#4Author of original report
Fri, March 05, 2010
I've filed complaints with the Texas State Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau, and the Oklahoma Attorney General.
Larry Duncan, the owner of this company, has numerous small claims judgements against him in Denton, TX as well as a couple of misdeamor charges of assault.
The address listed on Transmission Citi's website is bogus. His actual postal address is 408 Wentworth Dr McKinney, Texas 75070. His home address is 400 Willow Rd Aubrey, Texas 76227.
I have now found 3 other shell companies run under the same person. They are Transmission Citi, Transmission Heaven, Nationwide Transmissions, and TranOne. I believe these people (Andrea Duncan is the registrar of all the websites) are scamming people out of their hard earned money.
Let's hope that Larry and Andrea are soon facing criminal charges.