New Jersey
Back in December of last year my transmission crapped out. I called several shops asking for advice on rebuilding the transmission myself. But, this MotorTrans offered a very low price, and assurance that they work on this particular transmission often. Bill- the manager, convinced me that I would be much better off allowing them to do the job.
Bill also agreed to allow me to be present during transmission being disassembled, and to see new parts being installed. This was the main reason I agreed to have them do the work. I took a day off work on the day that Bill told me they would be working on my vehicle. I called up several times to ask when I should come in. Bill kept telling me they would call me. They never did. When I called in the evening they told me they had already torn the transmission apart. Told me it was not rebuildable. Told me to come in the next day and we’d talk about it.
When I went in the next day- I was told that they had already installed a rebuilt transmission in my car, from their “stock”. I had not agreed to this. I asked Bill why they had not called me before tearing my transmission apart. He said he was too busy. - I recorded this conversation, without him knowing. I reminded him that this was the main reason that my vehicle was at their shop. He then asks, "Don't you trust me" :/ pfftt.. I said I don't know you Bill.
I paid for the work. $100 more than the original price of $1800, because this was- according to Bill- a whole different rebuilt transmission.
I noticed immediately than the transmission was not shifting properly. I went right back to the shop. I was told to drive it 500 miles to “break in” the new parts. It took a week to drive to the 500 miles, during which the transmission would often slam into gear, and lurch. The problems did not improve. I told them about this. Now what they told me next I believe is a complete lie. And I’ve asked two other transmission shops about it, and they agreed. Bill told me that they had installed a “Heavy duty shift package” in my transmission. This would cause harder shifts, but it would last longer. If I was not happy with this, then they would change it to the “standard shift package”. I told them to do that. They had my car for a week. When I got it back it shifted better most of the time. But it will still slam into gear and lurch several times per week. Also, the check engine light was on when I got it back from them. They said that it was on when they got it from me. It was absolutely not. The check engine light was indicating a damaged wheel speed sensor. I discovered that it had been installed improperly and caused a break in the wire. This sensor is something that they would have removed during the rebuild. The sensor costs around $150. I also found that the reservoir tank for my antifreeze had not been reinstalled properly and was sitting on top of one of the engine belts. and the belt had worn a hold through it from rubbing against it. I spent $35 to replace that tank. I took the car to Lexus to inspect the work. Lexus discovered that several bolts were missing from the transmission. And that one of the brackets was not attached. Also, several hoses were not properly installed. The exhaust pipe that they had to disconnect when replacing the transmission was leaking badly. Rather than replace the gasket when they reconnected it, they used a glue type product to temporarily seal it up. The gaskets only cost a few dollars each. Maybe $12 total. But they used the glue. and within it week it completely disintegrated and I had a horrible exhaust leak. I also discovered that two studs were broken off on what’s called the “subframe”. It’s a major structural component. It supports the engine and transmission, and well as the front suspension. 2 out of 6 of the bolts were broken. They didn’t tell me this, and is obvious no attempt was made to repair this damage as well. If I pay to have this repaired, it will probably cost me several hundred dollars. Last- on the front wheel axles- there is something called “spindle nut retainers”. They are a backup safety measure to ensure that the nuts holding your wheels on could not come loose. These were missing.
I was given a 12,000mile or 12 month warranty. I’ve driven maybe 3-4000 miles so far. I
do not have any faith in this shop, so to take it back there and complain about these problems I’m afraid will only lead to more broken and missing parts. The transmission shop I took it to recently told me that it appears that this transmission has never been cracked open - therefor never rebuilt. But to really know- they would have to remove and open it up- at a cost of $700. This is the only way they would be willing to give me a written opinion on the condition of this transmission. The shop I’m talking about is Linden Transmission in Turnersville- shop owners name is Pete. He also said after a test drive that he does not believe the transmission is rebuilt.
I would be willing to pay that $700 to have them open it up. Do you think by threatening to have this inspection done I could scare the shop into giving me a refund ? If not, do you think I have a chance of suing for the full $3000 in small claims if the $700 inspection finds any problems(which I’m confident they will) ? I have a letter written up, which I will send to the shop through certified mail. If anyone is willing to read that as well, I'd be happy to send it to you for any suggested changes. Appreciate anyone taking the time to read this. I'll take this as far as I can legally. I just hate to walk away from a transaction thinking that I've been played for a fool. Doesn't sit well.
Back in December of last year my transmission crapped out. I called several shops asking for advice on rebuilding the transmission myself. But, this MotorTrans offered a very low price, and assurance that they work on this particular transmission often. Bill- the manager, convinced me that I would be much better off allowing them to do the job.
Bill also agreed to allow me to be present during transmission being disassembled, and to see new parts being installed. This was the main reason I agreed to have them do the work. I took a day off work on the day that Bill told me they would be working on my vehicle. I called up several times to ask when I should come in. Bill kept telling me they would call me. They never did. When I called in the evening they told me they had already torn the transmission apart. Told me it was not rebuildable. Told me to come in the next day and we’d talk about it.
When I went in the next day- I was told that they had already installed a rebuilt transmission in my car, from their “stock”. I had not agreed to this. I asked Bill why they had not called me before tearing my transmission apart. He said he was too busy. - I recorded this conversation, without him knowing. I reminded him that this was the main reason that my vehicle was at their shop. He then asks, "Don't you trust me" :/ pfftt.. I said I don't know you Bill.
I paid for the work. $100 more than the original price of $1800, because this was- according to Bill- a whole different rebuilt transmission.
I noticed immediately than the transmission was not shifting properly. I went right back to the shop. I was told to drive it 500 miles to “break in” the new parts. It took a week to drive to the 500 miles, during which the transmission would often slam into gear, and lurch. The problems did not improve. I told them about this. Now what they told me next I believe is a complete lie. And I’ve asked two other transmission shops about it, and they agreed. Bill told me that they had installed a “Heavy duty shift package” in my transmission. This would cause harder shifts, but it would last longer. If I was not happy with this, then they would change it to the “standard shift package”. I told them to do that. They had my car for a week. When I got it back it shifted better most of the time. But it will still slam into gear and lurch several times per week. Also, the check engine light was on when I got it back from them. They said that it was on when they got it from me. It was absolutely not. The check engine light was indicating a damaged wheel speed sensor. I discovered that it had been installed improperly and caused a break in the wire. This sensor is something that they would have removed during the rebuild. The sensor costs around $150. I also found that the reservoir tank for my antifreeze had not been reinstalled properly and was sitting on top of one of the engine belts. and the belt had worn a hold through it from rubbing against it. I spent $35 to replace that tank. I took the car to Lexus to inspect the work. Lexus discovered that several bolts were missing from the transmission. And that one of the brackets was not attached. Also, several hoses were not properly installed. The exhaust pipe that they had to disconnect when replacing the transmission was leaking badly. Rather than replace the gasket when they reconnected it, they used a glue type product to temporarily seal it up. The gaskets only cost a few dollars each. Maybe $12 total. But they used the glue. and within it week it completely disintegrated and I had a horrible exhaust leak. I also discovered that two studs were broken off on what’s called the “subframe”. It’s a major structural component. It supports the engine and transmission, and well as the front suspension. 2 out of 6 of the bolts were broken. They didn’t tell me this, and is obvious no attempt was made to repair this damage as well. If I pay to have this repaired, it will probably cost me several hundred dollars. Last- on the front wheel axles- there is something called “spindle nut retainers”. They are a backup safety measure to ensure that the nuts holding your wheels on could not come loose. These were missing.
I was given a 12,000mile or 12 month warranty. I’ve driven maybe 3-4000 miles so far. I
do not have any faith in this shop, so to take it back there and complain about these problems I’m afraid will only lead to more broken and missing parts. The transmission shop I took it to recently told me that it appears that this transmission has never been cracked open - therefor never rebuilt. But to really know- they would have to remove and open it up- at a cost of $700. This is the only way they would be willing to give me a written opinion on the condition of this transmission. The shop I’m talking about is Linden Transmission in Turnersville- shop owners name is Pete. He also said after a test drive that he does not believe the transmission is rebuilt.
I would be willing to pay that $700 to have them open it up. Do you think by threatening to have this inspection done I could scare the shop into giving me a refund ? If not, do you think I have a chance of suing for the full $3000 in small claims if the $700 inspection finds any problems(which I’m confident they will) ? I have a letter written up, which I will send to the shop through certified mail. If anyone is willing to read that as well, I'd be happy to send it to you for any suggested changes. Appreciate anyone taking the time to read this. I'll take this as far as I can legally. I just hate to walk away from a transaction thinking that I've been played for a fool. Doesn't sit well.
