AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care - 10324

"On my way into Harrisonburg my vehicle began to sputter and give me issues, to the point that my car required towing to a shop for repair. I was greeted and assisted by Tom mainly, who after a reasonable amount of time informed me that I had a fuel pump issue. He stated the repair labor and part cost over the phone and informed me that the part would need to be ordered and would arrive within a couple of days. No issue! I reached out to my dealership, as my car is only 4 years old, and I was originally told that the part is under manufacturer recall, at which time I contacted Tom at AAMCO to inform him that I would be arranging for my vehicle to be taken to the dealer for recall service. When I originally dropped my car off, I was told that AAMCO offers (and would provide) a FREE diagnostic of the problem. Seeing as my car didn't turn on, they simply had to hook up the diagnostic computer to read the code. This takes about 5 minute tops. When I called to inform Tom that my car would be taken to the dealer for service, he stated that I would be responsible for a $75+ "diagnostic fee" before retrieving my car, asked for my credit card information over the phone without providing an invoice for this fee. When I informed him of the advertised FREE diagnostic, and that I hadn't agreed to anything beyond a free diagnostic he quickly stated that he'd "take care" of the fee. I later found out that my vehicle is not listed for recall, at which time I called Tom to inform him that I would NOT be going to the dealership and that I'd like to proceed with their shop working on my car. When I arrived 2 days later to pick up my car I arrived to a somewhat standoffish Tom when I was unable to start my car. I asked if the problem had been resolved and he stated the part in question had been replaced. The car struggled to start and idled very poorly the entire time in the lot, and when I asked if they had test-driven the car I was informed they had indeed. The problem is, my car had the exact mileage it had when I dropped it off for service as when I picked it up. AAMCO was able to get my car running by replacing a defective part, but did so without properly checking the safety of the vehicle. Additionally, I asked that my transmission be checked under their FREE diagnostics promotion, and I was told my transmission had "no issues", yet no one test drove my car to actually see. Needless to say, AAMCO did a great job installing my fuel pump at a 40% mark-up, however they failed to adequately inspect my vehicle as requested and lied when I asked specifically if the services requested had been performed. **Store manager, Donnie, called after posting this review which brought the 2-star experience to a 1-star experience. He stated over the phone that there were “several miscommunications” between their staff and that they should have absolutely test-driven my car, and admitted to failing to properly inspect my transmission as requested. Rather than offering to rectify the situation by inspecting my car as requested, he simply offered a half-assed apology for their breach of contract and failure to perform services as requested and paid for.**"

"I've been meaning to write this review for a few weeks now but just now got some free time. I moved out from California and drove my silverado to get here. Thing started rattling in the Rockies but trucked on for half the country. I decided to take it to the shop the day after arriving in Virginia. Massive repair, transfer case and differential related parts totally torn up plus the knock sensor needed replacing. Got it done and got the truck back. Still rattling, took it back and they spent 3 dasy with it, drove it 150 miles and had 3-4 people looking at it. They fixed one noise and called me. They were at a loss, but the truck drives fine .I get it back and low and behold it's a seat that had a loose metal part, and something making a bit of noise inside the dashboard, which stemmed from taking the dash off the day before leaving California and putting it back on in a rush. These guys are great, and genuinely care and want to help. This is unlike ANY mechanical experience I've ever had and I don't want to take my truck anywhere else."

"BEWARE, this is one of the worst shops in Harrisonburg. Nice and friendly until you don't want them to do the service. Had my Ford Explorer towed to them. Tom said the motor was shot and needed replacing it had metal filings in the motor, I have replaced motors in the past and know you wouldn't see metal on a dip stick, if so very rare, can see when oil pan is pulled which it wasn't, so I was suspect at that point. The price quoted was $2500 for the motor and $1800 for labor, but if needed additional parts that would be extra, that's $4000 for a replacement (can buy the whole vehicle for that) I questioned the price of the motor, but Tom rechecked and said it was correct. My wife and I discussed it decided to tow it to another location. That is when it got bad. Tom threatened to tow the vehicle IF AND I QUOTE, "needed that one space that the vehicle was setting in before tow truck arrive". I was there at 2:45 pm and tow truck coming at 4:00 pm. I paid him $70 for his time. Now the vehicle is at the other location and ONLY needed a head gasket replaced. That's around $150.00 to $200.00 depending on quality, plus labor. If you go there you better get a SECOND quote."

"This shop exists for one reason - ripping off college kids. Parents: tell your kids to go elsewhere or you will be spending money on unnecessary repairs. Predatory nonsense the place is a circus of BS."

"Got some work done here on my old Jetta about a year ago, they did the work properly and in a timely manner. Reason for three stars is that after finishing the work they told me that I needed a new alternator, quoted me hundreds of dollars. Drove down the street to the next mechanic I found and they said my alternator was perfectly fine, never had a problem with it again. I cannot give 5 stars to somebody who almost convinced me to hand them hundreds of dollars for nothing."