Aamco of Hightstown

Complaint: [redacted] I am rejecting this response because: Dear Revdex.com, I as indicated before, I disagree with AAMCOs account of what transpired Therefore, I would like this claim to be documented on their record as unresolved AAMCO claims they have recordings to prove their case Unfortunately, I do not trust that they will provide recordings of ALL the conversations I had with them If nothing else comes out of this claim, I want potential customers to know what type of business they are dealing with Please keep me informed on how Revdex.com decides to resolve this claim Thank you, [redacted]

We will not refute the fact that there was some monumental issues with the Volkswagon JettaUnfortunately, these occurrences are not unusual with VW transmissionsFirst of all, there was an issue with the charging sysytem and that absolutely can have an effect on the calibration between computer and transmission, not torque converterWe needed to change the battery and the alternator and did it at our cost with no impact to customer.We subsequently had obvious synergy problems with computer to transmissionWe ascertained a computer to resolve the issue to no availThe computer on this system is a plug and play meaning it does not need to be flashed to ascertain synergyAfter a very zealous effort we believed we resolved the synergy problemWe tested to very satisfactory resultsThe customer picked it up a couple of days later and the claibration failedAlthough we did not get it perfect we believed we were very close but did not get another attempt to resolve the synergy The allegation that the existing transmission (rebuilt from us at aamco) is no good is absurdI challenge any knowledgeable transmission tech to refute our positionIt should be known that we provided a new battery, alternator, valve body and computer at no cost to the customerThe computer was subsequently replaced although it was not initially and did not fall under the parameters of the warranty We ackknowledge our responsibility and our more than willing to complete the calibration process to the customers satisfactionDuring this process we will be responsible for the plaintiffs transportation Sincerely, Mark L [redacted] Dispute Resolutionist AAMCO Mercer County

Complaint: ***
I am rejecting this response because:Unfortunately, I am not satisfied with the letter from AAMCO,nor do I agree with their account of what happenedI stand by original statementas follows, “I wanted an estimate of the repairs because I had an alternativeshop that would do the repairs, and I wanted to weigh my options. However, the AAMCO mechanic told me thatsince he had the car already opened it would cost me $for him to put thecar back together with no work being done. I then asked for an estimate for the total charges and the mechanic said$1,plus parts. I told him he could do the work, but that I needed an exact number before he started the workHerushed me off the phone and said he would get back to me. The next day I called, and he said that thework was close to being completed and it would be $3,300. I told him that I would not have agreed tothat price, and that he should have informed me that the parts were going to beover $1,before he continued the work.” It is hard for me to believe that they would even start work without informing the customer of the totalcost of repairs, and without having a sign off that they agree. When I informed my wife what had transpired,and that I would be charged $3,for the work, she called and tried to speakto the technician. He rudely informed her that she did not know what had transpired, was not a part of thetransaction, and it was none of her business to be calling. He did say that he had the conversation withme recorded at the time, so maybe AAMCO can pull out the recorded conversationhe had with my wife and the conversation where I asked him to call me back withthe total cost of the repairs? Or are the recordings only done when it benefits AAMCO? The more I hear about this recording, the more I begin to question if itis even legal to record a person without their consent This is an area of great concern to me, which Iwould like AAMCO to answer. Since I needed my car, and there was talk about me having to possibly pay additional charges for storage; my wife and I went to shop to speak with the technician to find out what was happening. He said that the car was done; it just needed to be put back together. We asked if he were to take it without it being put back together would it be $3,300. The answer was yes. We were informed that financing was available and given the form to apply. I mentionedthat my credit may not allow me to get the financing, and they asked my wife toco-sign. My wife refused, as she should have based on the treatment she received over the phone. We left, and within five minutes, I was informed that I was approved for $1,The following week, I picked up my carpaying the full amount less the financing. I feel completely and totally taken advantage of, and intentionally misinformed about the total cost from the start. The breakdown in communication started from the beginning, and AAMCO did not try to provide me with up front information. I am an honest person, and have no reason to lie, as there is no benefit in it for me. In all my dealings with service providers, I have been treated with respect and informed of all my options. This is one of the worst experiences I have ever had, and an apology will not be enough. I would like toknow what other options I have to pursue legally for some form of compensation for the intentional lack of disclosure.Regards,
*** ***,

I am willing to stipulate that the plaintiff’s statement is accurate
It is true that we were having a problem with the electronic diagnosis due to the charging Issues with the battery*** *** feels we should provide battery at no chargeWe were willing to provide a battery at our costThis would amount in a $savings for *** ***A fair scenario considering previous maintenance and repairs had no relation to the battery and there was no standing warranty*** *** chose to remove the vehicle from our Possession to ascertain a battery without our assistanceWhen the vehicle is returned, we will zealously resolve the repair issues that we are responsible under our warranty contract

Mr. [redacted] did have his vehicle towed into our facility and I...

believe that is all I am able to agree with. Mr. [redacted] was referred by one of our most cherished clients. We pride ourselves on our customer service and most paramount  is our integrity. Our record is impeccable and we have references to adduce this fact.
The vehicle received an extensive diagnosis in which an internal transmission issue was confirmed. Mr. [redacted] was contacted and this was conveyed. Our standard operating procedure was followed. This consists of a conveyance of the need to remove the transmission and have it rebuilt. At this time we are required to provide the base charge of the transmission. The base cost of this unit was 1900. There is also a necessity at this point to inform of the potential need of hard parts, which is only discovered when the transmission is physically opened. Mr. [redacted]' owns words confirms this. He claims he was told 1900 plus parts.”
We kept Mr. [redacted] along with his ex-wife informed of the process and its application throughout the diagnostic and repair of the vehicle, I am very comfortable with that statement. The phone discussions were all taped and the Bureau is welcome to hear them any time they deem appropriate. I will apologize if there were any misunderstandings with Mr. [redacted] but I am not sure of how we could have been more forthcoming.

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:
 
Dear Revdex.com,
I as indicated before, I disagree with AAMCOs account of what
transpired.  Therefore, I would like this
claim to be documented on their record as unresolved.  AAMCO claims they have recordings to prove
their case.  Unfortunately, I do not
trust that they will provide recordings of ALL the conversations I had with
them.
If nothing else comes out of this claim, I want potential
customers to know what type of business they are dealing with.
Please keep me informed on how Revdex.com decides to resolve this
claim.
 
Thank you,
[redacted]

We will not refute the fact that there was some monumental issues with the Volkswagon Jetta. Unfortunately, these occurrences are not unusual with VW transmissions. First of all, there was an issue with the charging sysytem and that absolutely can have an effect on the calibration between...

computer and transmission, not torque converter. We needed to change the battery and the alternator and did it at our cost with no impact to customer.We subsequently had obvious synergy problems with computer to transmission. We ascertained a computer to resolve the issue to no avail. The computer on this system is a plug and play meaning it does not need to be flashed to ascertain synergy. After a very zealous effort we believed we resolved the synergy problem. We tested to very satisfactory results. The customer picked it up a couple of days later and the claibration failed.
Although we did not get it perfect we believed we were very close but did not get another attempt to resolve the synergy.
The allegation that the existing transmission (rebuilt from us at aamco) is no good is absurd. I challenge any knowledgeable transmission tech to refute our position.
It should be known that we provided a new battery, alternator, valve body and computer at no cost to the customer. The computer was subsequently replaced although it was not initially and did not fall under the parameters of the warranty
We ackknowledge our responsibility and our more than willing to complete the calibration process to the customers satisfaction. During this process we will be responsible for the plaintiffs transportation.
 
Sincerely,
Mark L[redacted]
Dispute Resolutionist
AAMCO Mercer County

Review: I had my car towed to AAMCO with the agreement that the mechanic would look at the problem and let me know the price. I wanted an estimate of the repairs because I had alternative shop that would do the repairs and I wanted to weigh my options. However, the mechanic told me that since he had the car already opened it would cost me $600 for him to put the car back together with no work being done. I then asked for an estimate for the total charges and the mechanic said $1900 plus parts. I told him he could do the work, but that I needed an exact number before he started the work. He rushed me off the phone and said he would get back to me. The next day I called, and he said that the work was close to being completed and it would be $3300. I told him that I would not have agreed to that price, and that he should have informed me that the parts were going to be over $1400. He is now holding my car hostage, and said that I can get financing through his company. If I am not able to get approval he will have to charge me storage for my car.

I don't believe that I was treated fairly or given honest answers throughout this transaction. Through lack of communication and upfront information on AAMCO’s part, it has caused me to be without my car for over two week with the possibility of my car being put in storage until I can come up with the money. This type of behavior from AAMCO has caused hardship on me, and is very deceptive, and should not be allowed to continue. I would like this transaction investigated.Desired Settlement: I would like AAMCO to honor their original price of $1900, which was agreed upon. If additional parts were required, then they should have been upfront with me about the exact cost of the parts before they proceeded with the job.

Business

Response:

Mr. [redacted] did have his vehicle towed into our facility and I believe that is all I am able to agree with. Mr. [redacted] was referred by one of our most cherished clients. We pride ourselves on our customer service and most paramount is our integrity. Our record is impeccable and we have references to adduce this fact.

The vehicle received an extensive diagnosis in which an internal transmission issue was confirmed. Mr. [redacted] was contacted and this was conveyed. Our standard operating procedure was followed. This consists of a conveyance of the need to remove the transmission and have it rebuilt. At this time we are required to provide the base charge of the transmission. The base cost of this unit was 1900. There is also a necessity at this point to inform of the potential need of hard parts, which is only discovered when the transmission is physically opened. Mr. [redacted]' owns words confirms this. He claims he was told 1900 plus parts.”

We kept Mr. [redacted] along with his ex-wife informed of the process and its application throughout the diagnostic and repair of the vehicle, I am very comfortable with that statement. The phone discussions were all taped and the Bureau is welcome to hear them any time they deem appropriate. I will apologize if there were any misunderstandings with Mr. [redacted] but I am not sure of how we could have been more forthcoming.

Review: I gave my car for diagnosing the problem related to P1456 & P 1457 codes on 05/03/2014.

On 05/05/2014, I was told that the problem is with the Solenoid Bypass valve and it needs to be fixed which I approved. I was charged $411.88 for the service.

After I picked up my car and drove around 20 miles, the check engine light came back on with error code P1457. I took the car back again and after 2-3 days, they told me that there is no problem and they gave me the car after resetting the CEL light.

Again after driving less than 20 miles, the CEL came back with P1457. I took the car back to them on 05/31/14 and let it be there till 05/20/14 and they haven't given me a proper answer yet.

on 05/20/14, they told me that I need to replace my battery for which they want to charge me additional amount of money.Desired Settlement: Fix the problem with my car.

Business

Response:

I am willing to stipulate that the plaintiff’s statement is accurate. It is true that we were having a problem with the electronic diagnosis due to the charging Issues with the battery. [redacted] feels we should provide battery at no charge. We were willing to provide a battery at our cost. This would amount in a $75 savings for [redacted]. A fair scenario considering previous maintenance and repairs had no relation to the battery and there was no standing warranty. [redacted] chose to remove the vehicle from our Possession to ascertain a battery without our assistance. When the vehicle is returned, we will zealously resolve the repair issues that we are responsible under our warranty contract.

Review: We had aamco fix the front left wheel sensor. Once car was picked up it was making a new loud noise from same side. We then came to find out the left front she'll huh barring was broke and falling out. No prior issues with that before aamco worked of car. When we contacted aamco they replied "no big deal" and claimed to have not done any work to that, which we know if false. A professional at [redacted] inspected the vehicle and explained that they installed the sensor wrong.Desired Settlement: I would like for aamco to pay for the work [redacted] did on vehicle and reimburse me the funds for the work they completed.

Business

Response:

[redacted] brought in a [redacted] with a check engine light on. There was no complaint about noise and when we tested the vehicle, there was no noise evident. The check engine was a sensor. We replaced the sensor and that resolved the check engine light problem. The car tested without any noise. The vehicle was picked up without incident. We did not work on a wheel bearing. Apparently the wheel bearing went. A sensor will not effect a wheel bearing.The complaint indicates the sensor was installed incorrectly. Our CSM talked with the [redacted] representative and inquired about there allegation that it was installed incorrectly. The [redacted] rep vehemently denied ever saying that. There is only one way to install a sensor. It either goes in or it doesn't. The tech who worked on tis has been doing this for 30 yearWe understand the customer was unhappy. They filed for a chargeback on their credit card payment. We did not contest it. The wheel bearing is seperate and distinct.

Review: Brought my Jetta to get fixed at AAMCO in Hightstown. I was told I need a new torque converter, the trans needed to be rebuilt and that I will have the car back in a couple of days. The total came out to about $3,700.00. I applied for a loan through their loan company. I was granted the loan with a co-signer. I received a call on 8/28/2015 saying that my car will be ready on monday 8/30/2015. Monday came, I took a day off work to pick it up since I was/am currently working out of state and staying out of state during the duration of my job. Since I had a rental my friend drove the car off the AAMCO parking lot and immediately called me saying they didn't fix anything. We pulled off on a side street. I tested drove it and the car jerked violently switching into 3rd gear. I called AAMCO and talked to Vince (customer service manager). I told him what happened and he told me that they had to change the battery so the car has to get used to it. I couldn't believe what he just said. I told him I am bringing the car back they need to fix it. They ended up telling me it was the computer in the car not calibrating with the torque converter they installed and they had to replace the comp 3 times. When you order a part for a vehicle you give them the vin number and you replace the part., simple as that. After waiting weeks, rental fees becoming too much to handle, they finally call and tell me my car is ready, but the car is flaring up when switching from 3rd to 4th. October 17, 2015. I pick up my vehicle. I knew I was being scammed and recorded the conversation for my protection. Vince told me "The car has to adjust to the way I drive". I drove it off the lot and almost smashed my face into the steering wheel within 300 ft of driving it. I turned around and had the car towed the next day to a VW dealer/mechinic freehold. I was told I need a new trans and it will cost $6,200.00. All said and done. $3,700(aamco), over $2,000 (rental), $6,200 (new trans) total $11,900+.Desired Settlement: I want my money back that I paid into the loan and for the loan to cease. I ended up having to buy a new vehicle because of their incompetence. This franchise needs to be shut down. They are a complete scam after further investigation into the AAMCO franchise. If I am not refunded I will be filing a lawsuit.

Business

Response:

We will not refute the fact that there was some monumental issues with the Volkswagon Jetta. Unfortunately, these occurrences are not unusual with VW transmissions. First of all, there was an issue with the charging sysytem and that absolutely can have an effect on the calibration between computer and transmission, not torque converter. We needed to change the battery and the alternator and did it at our cost with no impact to customer.We subsequently had obvious synergy problems with computer to transmission. We ascertained a computer to resolve the issue to no avail. The computer on this system is a plug and play meaning it does not need to be flashed to ascertain synergy. After a very zealous effort we believed we resolved the synergy problem. We tested to very satisfactory results. The customer picked it up a couple of days later and the claibration failed.Although we did not get it perfect we believed we were very close but did not get another attempt to resolve the synergy. The allegation that the existing transmission (rebuilt from us at aamco) is no good is absurd. I challenge any knowledgeable transmission tech to refute our position.It should be known that we provided a new battery, alternator, valve body and computer at no cost to the customer. The computer was subsequently replaced although it was not initially and did not fall under the parameters of the warrantyWe ackknowledge our responsibility and our more than willing to complete the calibration process to the customers satisfaction. During this process we will be responsible for the plaintiffs transportation. Sincerely,Mark L[redacted]Dispute ResolutionistAAMCO Mercer County