Complaint / Review
Cottman Transmission Beaverton Oregon
Tried stiffing me for an additional $1,000 then won't give me my transmission back

I took my transmission into Beaverton Cottman on Baseline, thinking they were a reputable transmission shop. I explained that I have never taken anything into a service shop, as I have always performed my own repairs. I also brought over $600 of new parts to perform the rebuild. I spoke with the shop owner before arriving and explained that I was a bit skeptical in general and that I have never used any mechanical shops in the past. I was told that he would only charge labor to rebuild the tranny and I could provide the parts. Labor would not exceed $1,000. No paperwork was provided to me. Nothing for the rebuild costs, receiving my transmission, or the boxes of parts I brought in with my transmission. NOTHING!

Five days later, right before they closed, I called to ask the status of my transmission and I was told there would be over 20 additional parts that would be needed. This was in addition to the Master rebuild kit, new steels, new torque converter, speed sensors and shift kit that I brought in. I asked the owner what the price was and he didn't know. I then asked him to fax me the list. This was the first time I have received ANY paperwork from them.

The following day, I called the local transmission warehouse and was quoted about a $1000 for the parts. The day after that, during my lunch hour, I drove to the shop with this information and talked to the tech, who was very nice and helpful. He explained they DO NOT test any parts and just replace everything to CYA for warranty purposes.

Upon returning to work, I called the manager (Patrick) and explained the costs are going to be upwards of $2500 and it didn't make financial sense to to rebuild this and I would be picking my tranny up. This is where it got interesting...