I would NOT take my car (and urge you to protect yourself and not take your car) to ANY Cottman's Transmission. I took my car to the Sunnyvale, CA location the first week in Jan thinking I had an issue with my clutch. They told me the clutch was fine and it was the transmission. They said the ball bearings needed to be replaced, which is a transmission rebuild.
The day I picked up my car, I noticed two issues that had not been there previous: it sounded like ball bearings were rattling in the transmission (never occured prior to taking it to Cottman), and also, when shifting the engine would rev, and rpm's would go up, but power was not transmitted to the wheels at first & then it would "catch" and the car would accelerate.
I called to report this & was told by the owner of the Sunnyvale location, Raul, this is "normal" and to "give it a few days". It did not improve. The beginning of Feb. I had a break in my work schedule and called. The number was not in service. I called the National Office for Cottman, and was advised the Sunnyvale location had closed & to take my car to the nearest location for warranty repairs (which is Hayward, CA). ONE MONTH LATER ONLY!!!
The Hayward location mechanic went for a ride in my car with me present & did hear the noise of the ball bearings rattling & confirmed that was what was making the noise. I was advised by the Hayward location owner, John, they would NOT pay for a rental. The Hayward location told me if I dropped off my car on a Monday, repairs would be complete by a Wednesday; Thursday at the latest. I did so. I called on Weds. To get the status & was told it would be later than Thurs. Because they were having "personnel issues". I called the National Office & the customer service representative, David, told me that he could ONLY check to see when the repairs would be done and nothing else. I left a message with his supervisor, Carol, which has not been returned. I also was advised, by John (Hayward owner) to call Liza at the National Office. That call was also not returned.
I paid, in good faith, for Cottman to fix my car & my expenses for the repair & rental (which is directly incurred as a result of having my car worked on) were $1500. I expect it to be fixed.
It is a RIP OFF to have to pay EVEN MORE money because they did not fix it. The National Office is no help. Cottman locations are changing to Aamco's according to John at the Hayward location. I guess Cottman bought Aamco, but they are using Aamco's name now? That's what John said anyway.
Cottman Hayward, advised me that I should get addtional work because it would "save me money" if I had to get my clutch repaired at a later date. I was told by the Sunnyvale location my clutch was fine with "slight wear". I think it's possible the Hayward location is telling me that because they make no money on warranty work done at another shop.
This is bad for the consumer who is not a mechanic. We don't know if what we're being told is the truth or not. I would not trust Cottman - ANY Cottman - to service my vehicle.
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