AAMCO is a freaking joke

**Buster28** · 01-27-2012, 11:02 AM

We take our vehicles to Precision Auto, which is behind the Greater Iowa Credit Union at Lincoln Way and Grand. I've been taking my cars there since about 1997. They're local, honest, reasonable, reliable, and get the vehicle back in a timely manner. I won't take my car anywhere else, especially not a national chain. Those are only about the money, not the actual job.

**NickTheGreat** · 01-27-2012, 11:38 AM

I am also not surprised. Now I'm the type of guy to get all upset about things, but have you even contacted AAMCO about this? I mean, it *is* possible that it's either something needing to be reset, or something that they could be willing to take care of for you.

I always say something like this is a good way for a business to show how great or awful they are. Like a restaurant that offers me a discount if they bork up my food.

**CycloneRulzzz** · 01-28-2012, 10:44 AM

UPDATE

I called them yesterday about bringing my car back for them to look at it. Again on my way there the coolant light came on. They looked at it and the gaskets were replaced because of corrosion from a coolant leak. They said that the leak didn't get sealed well enough and was still leaking and yes they did bring me out to see for myself. They said that they will fix it again at no charge, but will probably get to it first thing Monday. I said fine, as they are only open from 8-12 today and had other vehicles scheduled to do today, but you think if you are a business and **** up a repair that would take precedence. I was very cordial despite was I feeling inside.

**ISUAgronomist** · 01-28-2012, 10:49 AM

Yep, they are going to take their sweet-*** time with it now. Not because they want to do a better job but that they aren't making more money on it.

**Boxerdaddy** · 01-28-2012, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by ruxCYtable

In general I've found you get the best service and workmanship from dirty, small, independent garages with Playboy calendars plastered all over the walls.

I think you said it best. I'm sure there are shady places to so always ask around but this has been my general feeling. And definitely check out the shops in the small towns near des moines. Those guys make a living on reputation....so they have to be honest or like someone else said...out of business.

Someone mentioned tools...I've been compiling my own set of tools now and try to do most of my work on my own for my car. If you need tools to get the job done...check out harbor freight. "Most" of their chicago or pittsburgh (brand) tools I've found have been built surprisingly well including power tools and they are way cheaper than sears or wherever. They don't have that "cheap tool" feel like you get from some. I don't usually need a tool with a lifetime warranty that I"m going to use once or twice a year. I would call them inexpensive tools...not cheap. Just a suggestion... oh and stay away from their squeeze clamps though lol.

**CyCloned** · 01-28-2012, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Jerry1982

Before you freak out too badly (I suspect I'm already too late.) this could be really minor. VERY common to get some air in the system anytime you drain the radiator, etc. All good mechanics will do their best to double check for air. However, the best solution is time, let the air work its was up. Overnight usually works. Open the reservoir and check the coolant level. Make sure you use the correct color coolant. It's probably a yellow color (the new universal coolant), as opposed to green or reddish-orange.

This is my thought, I replaced a head on my daughters taurus and it took about a day to get the air out of the system. BTW, anyone that things $900 to replace a head gasket needs to know they are not all the same. It took me half a day just to get the head off of her DOHC engine. I am sure a real mechanic could do it faster, but there is a lot of stuff to take off before you can get to the head on some engines.

**VTXCyRyD** · 01-28-2012, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by CyclonesRulzzz

UPDATE

I called them yesterday about bringing my car back for them to look at it. Again on my way there the coolant light came on. They looked at it and the gaskets were replaced because of corrosion from a coolant leak. They said that the leak didn't get sealed well enough and was still leaking and yes they did bring me out to see for myself. They said that they will fix it again at no charge, but will probably get to it first thing Monday. I said fine, as they are only open from 8-12 today and had other vehicles scheduled to do today, but you think if you are a business and **** up a repair that would take precedence. I was very cordial despite was I feeling inside.

LOL, that's funny. If they changed gaskets the only way it didn't get sealed well enough is because they screwed up the installation.

**Dopey** · 01-28-2012, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by CyclonesRulzzz

UPDATE

I called them yesterday about bringing my car back for them to look at it. Again on my way there the coolant light came on. They looked at it and the gaskets were replaced because of corrosion from a coolant leak. They said that the leak didn't get sealed well enough and was still leaking and yes they did bring me out to see for myself. They said that they will fix it again at no charge, but will probably get to it first thing Monday. I said fine, as they are only open from 8-12 today and had other vehicles scheduled to do today, but you think if you are a business and **** up a repair that would take precedence. I was very cordial despite was I feeling inside.

I'm sure they'll get right on that for free.....

**Clonefan94** · 01-28-2012, 03:34 PM

I've never understood the mentality that goes behind a ripoff shop. Seems so much easier and profitable to actually do the work that needs done. I have a local shop here that I take all my cars to. They aren't the cheapest by far, but they are never trying to sell me on stuff that doesn't need done. Their quotes are always spot on. I took my truck in not to long ago because the front end was squeaking. They said all it needed was a little lube since it was older and a bit rusty underneath. They got rid of the squeak and told me to have a nice day as they sent me out the door without charging me.

It's service like this that gets them all the business they can handle. They are a very busy shop and there's a good reason for it. All their advertising is done by word of mouth. I guess people see the big ads and don't think that a company like that would rip you off. I would think doing good honest work would be all you'd need to pull in some decent cash in the automotive world.

**isurulz** · 02-03-2012, 12:22 PM

So you are mad that you took and back and they are fixing it for free? That sounds like they are standing behind there work. Mistakes happen as long as they are corrected then what are you so butthurt about? Seems to me like if this really was a shop that is screwing people over that they would try and say it isn't there fault or charge you again. Try going to another auto shop with your complaint, I guarantee they will laugh in your face and tell you to **** off. I have worked on many cars myself and there isn't just one gasket that can leak, there are 5-10 different sets of gaskets in your motor. As far as keeping your car from you, these gaskets you replace are very labor intensive I bet, you should just be glad they are covering your repair. I say to kuddos to the facility. Have you told the manager your concerns? Or are you just hiding behind a forum? I hope it all turns out well and if they correct the situation you change your tone or delete this altogether. ISURULZ

**Rhoadhoused** · 02-03-2012, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by isurulz

So you are mad that you took and back and they are fixing it for free? That sounds like they are standing behind there work. Mistakes happen as long as they are corrected then what are you so butthurt about? Seems to me like if this really was a shop that is screwing people over that they would try and say it isn't there fault or charge you again. Try going to another auto shop with your complaint, I guarantee they will laugh in your face and tell you to **** off. I have worked on many cars myself and there isn't just one gasket that can leak, there are 5-10 different sets of gaskets in your motor. As far as keeping your car from you, these gaskets you replace are very labor intensive I bet, you should just be glad they are covering your repair. I say to kuddos to the facility. Have you told the manager your concerns? Or are you just hiding behind a forum? I hope it all turns out well and if they correct the situation you change your tone or delete this altogether. ISURULZ

Why in the ******* hell would they ever be entitled to charge him for a leak that is their fault? They charge him $900 to fix it and don't even fix the original problem and you think the repair shop is doing some good deed by fixing it for free? That is the absolute bottom level of service they should provide after not actually doing what they were paid to do.

**Cyclonesrule91** · 02-03-2012, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by isurulz

So you are mad that you took and back and they are fixing it for free? That sounds like they are standing behind there work. Mistakes happen as long as they are corrected then what are you so butthurt about? Seems to me like if this really was a shop that is screwing people over that they would try and say it isn't there fault or charge you again. Try going to another auto shop with your complaint, I guarantee they will laugh in your face and tell you to **** off. I have worked on many cars myself and there isn't just one gasket that can leak, there are 5-10 different sets of gaskets in your motor. As far as keeping your car from you, these gaskets you replace are very labor intensive I bet, you should just be glad they are covering your repair. I say to kuddos to the facility. Have you told the manager your concerns? Or are you just hiding behind a forum? I hope it all turns out well and if they correct the situation you change your tone or delete this altogether. ISURULZ

And how long have you worked for Aamco again????

**Rhoadhoused** · 02-03-2012, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Cyclonesrule91

And how long have you worked for Aamco again????

lol I love the token username "isurulz"

**Cyclonesrule91** · 02-03-2012, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by Rhoadhoused

lol I love the token username "isurulz"

He's probably back out fixing his screwup

**ISUAgronomist** · 02-03-2012, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by isurulz

Lol....my bad sorry this is my 1st time hearing about this website and just created my account. I didn't know my user name was that bad to were I get insulted...lol, I'm 19, the way you idiots act make you seem like your younger than me. I was just trying to give a little insight since yes I do have mechanical experience, my bad again. And I think it's funny how all you fools think you know what the heck your talking about and don't. No wonder you hide behind forums. And yes ISURULZ!