Aamco had my Ford Windstar Minivan for six days (although they promised to repair it quickly). They estimated a $770 cost to take apart the transmission, and an additional $800 to repair it.
Once they had the car for six days, the fee jumped—without explanation—to $2600. This means that, disregarding the "take apart fee" the repair cost went from $800 to $1,800—far too great a margin of error, don't you think?
Phone calls to other reputable transmission companies indicated that the cost for the repair should, under ANY circumstances, have not exceeded $2000. EVERY other transmission company I called or interviewed quoted—not estimated—prices of under $2000. Not Aamco.
So, I went to the Aamco dealer in person, and I brought my dad, who will be 70 years old on his next birthday. He knows about cars and has family who sell car parts.
When we began a polite, yet pointed, dialogue with the "front man, " Chris Adams, he was visibly shaking and encouraged us to call back tomorrow. Then, when we accused his business of being fraudulent, the owner, Mr. William J. DiBenedetto, came rushing out from the back room.
He physically threatened my elderly dad, verbally abused him, and subsequently called the Shrewsbury Police to "remove" us from his property. I later learned that the business is for sale—check it out online. I think that Mr. DiBenedetto's business is going under, and he needs all the money he can get. And, he's willing to go after that money by overcharging his customers; when that doesn't work, he tries to physically punish and threaten elderly men.
Would you buy (for $391 thousand) an Aamco Transmission franchise that Mr. DiBenedetto has driven into the ground? I hope not. Would you do business with him? I hope not. Even the police officer who arrived on the scene had to chastise Mr. DiBenedetto for his shouting and inappropriate behavior, and that was his behavior with the police present! Can you imagine how out of line he was prior to that?
The resolution came with the police officer getting a commitment from Mr. DiBenedetto not to charge me for the initial work, and now I have another company towing the car for free and repairing it—for, yes, only $1800! Hmmm. Why would Mr. DiBenedetto charge $2600 when another company is towing it for free and repairing it for $1800?
By the way, the other company is InterState Transmission on Route 20 in Auburn, Massachusetts—great people; they've been in business for 20 years. They're honest, and have been to court to serve as "experts" against Mr. DiBenedetto's fraudulence in the past. And, as "experts" they helped other people to win their cases.
My friends, do NOT fall victim to Shrewsbury's Aamco or to Mr. DiBenedetto! He'll "estimate" costs and then finally quote you a price that no one can afford! He's a very shady businessman.interestingly enough, I've copied for you and excerpt from William J. DiBenedetto's website. Read it below and know that it is all lies!
Lies from his personal website!
"As a resident and businessman Bill is also committed to serving the community with honesty and integrity. He knows that all too often the automotive industry leaves the public with a feeling of distrust. At AAMCO of Shrewsbury/Worcester, you will know that you were treated honestly and fairly because it shows in the workmanship and the dealings with each and every person that walks into the center."
ALL LIES!
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