;
  • Report:  #214400

Complaint Review: Cottman Transmission - Aamco - Tucson Arizona

Reported By:
- Tucson, Arizona,
Submitted:
Updated:

Cottman Transmission - Aamco
3674 W. Ina Road Tucson, 85741 Arizona, U.S.A.
Phone:
520-572-8599
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
Beware of sign that indicates a free check of your engine light. I fell for it and after a 10 minute check I was given a list of 4 codes. The mechanic told me he had no way of knowing what the codes meant until he did a diagnostic check. The cost of that was a minimun of $75.00. My codes indicated that I needed a new EGR valve, (retail cost $210.00)a new PCV valve and new spark plugs. The next day I was told I also needed work on my transmission due to leaking gaskets and a leaking pan. My bill totaled up to $946.15 and they refused to honor a $100.00 coupon for the transmission work because I did not have it with me at the time I dropped off the car. They charged me $393.50 for the $210.00 part due to "labor". However they also charged an additional $227.45 billed as labor. I don't know if they are dishonest in general or if they took advantage of me because I was a woman.

Kathy

Tucson, Arizona
U.S.A.


19 Updates & Rebuttals

jason

lubbock,
Texas,
know what your talking abuot

#2UPDATE Employee

Wed, May 01, 2013

i work for aamco great  place and knowbody buoght aamco. you have know idea what your talking about .people like you spread crap and half truths just keep your mouth shut 


Expert Witness

Missouri CIty,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Maybe it is not as you think

#3Consumer Suggestion

Thu, September 27, 2007

I own an auto repair shop and as I read the complaint, I can't help but offer a few words of advise. People don't get what they expect for three reasons; communication, incompentency, and fraud. Did you know that fraud level in the the auto repair business is similar to any service buisness at less than 5%? People don't think anything about a doctor saying comeback in three days if you don't get better but give us hell if we don't fix it right the first time. Customers get upset when they check parts pricing and believe they have been over charged. We must be fair but have an obligation to make money for ourselves, the owner, or stock holders. Besides, comparing prices in this manner would be similar to bringing you eggs and bacon to Denys. Finally, I went to the aamco web site and it clearly states on the coupons that they must be presented upon arrival.


Cottman Manager

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Some real answers

#4UPDATE Employee

Wed, September 19, 2007

Cottman and Aamco are two different companies. Cottman did not actually purchase Aamco per se....Capital Investment Strategies purchased Aamco..they are the current and long time owners of Cottman. Both companies are owned by the same corporation, but operate as entirely two different companies. Just like Red Lobster and Olive Garden...most people don't know they are owned by the same corporation. Currently, Cottman warranties are not honored at Aamco and vice versa. Hopefully that clears things up. When you come in to a Cottman, we offer a free Transcheck21 Plus Service. This includes a road test, visual inspection, and preliminary scan of your computer system. The preliminary scan is retreival of codes; not diagnostics. You will be provided the codes free of charge. If you would like the codes diagnosed, then there is a charge for that service, as there is at any other shop. Most shops charge AT LEAST $50 to retrieve codes, and then diagnostics on top of that. If you don't believe it, then call around and ask. The shop obviously explained that to you, and you AUTHORIZED the diagnostics. Diagnostics typically run anywhere from $75 to $125 dollars depending on your area. The coupon you mentioned is good for $100 off internal repairs, and must be presented before work is started. You can view the coupon an the company website at www.cottman.com. In your particular situation, the coupon does not apply as no internal repairs were performed. As far as your questions about the labor charges...no way to know without seeing the invoice. Any shop that has Alldat or Mitchell(industry standards on labor estimating) should able to tell if the charges are reasonable. Remember, everyone has different labor rates; and the guides are just that...guides. Different situations sometimes aplly to vehicles if you run into unforween issues(broken bolts, improper previous repairs, etc.) It sounds like there is a communication issue, and either charges were not explained properly, or you did not ask until you understood. Chad


Transguy

San Rafael,
California,
U.S.A.
Not really a rip-off

#5UPDATE Employee

Tue, September 11, 2007

From what you described, the company did what was advertised: a free inspection of your vehicle. Please be aware that many shops or dealers charge from $70-$190 JUST for a vehicle scan. This does not mean your car will be repaired for free. I am an owner of another location and am familiar with the TransCheck 21+ free inspection. Depending on the vehicle and scanner, the scanner will retreive codes but will not offer repair informaton. Repais relating to specific codes then have to be researched on a data subscription service such as AllData or Mitchell One. These service charge monthly for shops to use and it takes time for a technician to look up the specifc codes and research the correct repair and /or diagnostic procedure. The $100 coupon you refer to was probably $100 off a transmission rebuilding price, and must be presented at time the vehicle is brought it. Those are the terms of the coupon if read it correctly. In your case, you did not have a transmission rebuild so the coupon would not have been applicable. Coupons must be identified one a repair order is opened and cannot be applied after-the-fact. I'm sorry you did not understand the issues regarding your auto repair, but as a Cottman Shop owner in another state, I am familiar with the integrity of most of the owners of the company and from your description there was nothing done that coud be construed as being taken advantage of. If you were upset, you should discuss it with the center manager or ask for he owner. An explanation of your concerns may have avoided you feeling as you do. Obviously you had a problem with your vehicle that set off the Check Engine light. You had the choice of having it repaired there or elsewhere, but the mechanic did not damage your car, only sought to repair it and addres your concerns. I hope this helps to put it in perspective.


Robert

South San Francisco,
California,
U.S.A.
Presenting Coupons

#6Consumer Suggestion

Thu, June 14, 2007

Read your complaint and looked on the AAMCO website. Their coupons do say "present coupon prior to service". Hope this helps some.


John

Califon,
New Jersey,
U.S.A.
The problem is

#7Consumer Comment

Fri, November 17, 2006

she didn't have a coupon with her when it came time to pay for the repair and came back later with one looking for the $100 the way I read it.


Robbie

Hickory,
North Carolina,
U.S.A.
Clarification

#8UPDATE EX-employee responds

Fri, November 17, 2006

Cottman Transmission purchased Aamco period. it does not affect some or just names, it affected all. Cottman chose to use the Aamco name where fesible due to brand recognition, as it will be a smart business move. Aamco's were failing, as Cottman;s thriving due to business ethics and GENERAL business practices. this by no means says that Cottman was better than Aamco, only that Cottman Capital allowed it means to take a SUBSTANTIAL market share. Cottman business practices when used effectively are more profitable than Aamco.....hence the stronger 450 store chain buys out the 600 store chain. Cottman owners were NEVER told to change to Aamco, only given the option to reap the benefits of the name recognition. Equate it to Burger King buying out Mcdonalds.....Would your store rather remain Burger King or change to Mcdonalds- same case. As for the specific situation we started commenting to here- It sounds like you recieved a service from someone specializing in internal transmission repairs that consisted of somethig besides that, and you flopped out a coupon good for $100 off for an internal transmission repair which is what your coupon says PERIOD and the clueless sales manager had no idea what it was. Your coupon was good towards an internal transmission repair which is commonly known as an overhaul or rebuild. In this case, they would have had enough markup to have gladly accepted such a coupon. Sounds to me like you had a problem diagnosed for free-your check engine light indicated you had a problem with such-and-such and now we ned to check so and so.....saving you $70-100 at the dealer for telling you the same thing. You AUTHORIZED repairs to something besides your transmission at a TRANSMISSION SHOP knowing they specialized in transmissions but you said fix it anyway. So, you are whining because your direct neglect concerning vehicle maintenance resulted in a sizeable repair they did for you as a favor, not as their 'bread and butter' and then would not honor a $100 COUPON towards a pan gasket repair. *sigh* Next time you get a bill for a $900 maintenance situation just go trade the car and take on the 400-700 payments.....then you can whine to Ford or GM or someone like that- we dont want to hear it.


Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Merger doesn't mean squat!

#9Consumer Suggestion

Sat, November 04, 2006

Until they operate as Cottman/Aamco, or do a legalname change, etc. they are two separate companies. There are 2 totally separate operations being run. Different corporate offices, different websites, different cust service numbers, Different rates, different policies, etc. That means 2 companies.


M (FlyingScooter)

Cleveland,
Ohio,
U.S.A.
merger

#10Consumer Comment

Fri, November 03, 2006

According to the Aamco site, listed under corporate releases/news, the merger went thru, reuniting the company that started in the 50's. What's odd, both website run independant of one another, both listing differant address for locations. Odd merger, in respect to each not acknoledging the other.


M (FlyingScooter)

Cleveland,
Ohio,
U.S.A.
merger

#11Consumer Comment

Fri, November 03, 2006

According to the Aamco site, listed under corporate releases/news, the merger went thru, reuniting the company that started in the 50's. What's odd, both website run independant of one another, both listing differant address for locations. Odd merger, in respect to each not acknoledging the other.


M (FlyingScooter)

Cleveland,
Ohio,
U.S.A.
merger

#12Consumer Comment

Fri, November 03, 2006

According to the Aamco site, listed under corporate releases/news, the merger went thru, reuniting the company that started in the 50's. What's odd, both website run independant of one another, both listing differant address for locations. Odd merger, in respect to each not acknoledging the other.


M (FlyingScooter)

Cleveland,
Ohio,
U.S.A.
merger

#13Consumer Comment

Fri, November 03, 2006

According to the Aamco site, listed under corporate releases/news, the merger went thru, reuniting the company that started in the 50's. What's odd, both website run independant of one another, both listing differant address for locations. Odd merger, in respect to each not acknoledging the other.


Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Fred...WRONG! Cottman and AAMCO are 2 separate companies!

#14Consumer Suggestion

Fri, October 20, 2006

Cottman and AAMCO are 2 totally separate companies. They may have purchased a few individual locations, but that's it. Don't believe me? Go to www.cottman.com and/or call: 866-COTTMAN to find out for yourself. Likewise, go to www.aamco.com and/or call: 800-GO-AAMCO. Where, exactly did you get your information?


Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Fred...WRONG! Cottman and AAMCO are 2 separate companies!

#15Consumer Suggestion

Fri, October 20, 2006

Cottman and AAMCO are 2 totally separate companies. They may have purchased a few individual locations, but that's it. Don't believe me? Go to www.cottman.com and/or call: 866-COTTMAN to find out for yourself. Likewise, go to www.aamco.com and/or call: 800-GO-AAMCO. Where, exactly did you get your information?


Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Fred...WRONG! Cottman and AAMCO are 2 separate companies!

#16Consumer Suggestion

Fri, October 20, 2006

Cottman and AAMCO are 2 totally separate companies. They may have purchased a few individual locations, but that's it. Don't believe me? Go to www.cottman.com and/or call: 866-COTTMAN to find out for yourself. Likewise, go to www.aamco.com and/or call: 800-GO-AAMCO. Where, exactly did you get your information?


Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Fred...WRONG! Cottman and AAMCO are 2 separate companies!

#17Consumer Suggestion

Fri, October 20, 2006

Cottman and AAMCO are 2 totally separate companies. They may have purchased a few individual locations, but that's it. Don't believe me? Go to www.cottman.com and/or call: 866-COTTMAN to find out for yourself. Likewise, go to www.aamco.com and/or call: 800-GO-AAMCO. Where, exactly did you get your information?


Fred

Albuquerque,
New Mexico,
U.S.A.
Cottman bought AAMCO

#18Consumer Comment

Thu, October 19, 2006

Cottman bought AAMCO in march. Not the other way around. They ARE the same!


Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Kathy, PLEASE let us know which company you ACTUALLY Dealt with !

#19Consumer Suggestion

Sun, October 08, 2006

Kathy, I think it is unfair for you to list a company on a rip off report who was not involved. Cottman Transmission and Aamco Transmission are 2 totally separate companies. Did you take your car to both companies for work? Please let us know.


Robert

Jacksonville,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Which is it?

#20Consumer Comment

Sat, October 07, 2006

Cottman, or AAMCO?

Reports & Rebuttal
Respond to this report!
Also a victim?
Repair Your Reputation!
//