Master Transmission Deceptive Practices and Predatory Lending ripoff Crown Point Indiana

I took my 2001 Dodge Caravan to Master Transmissions for a routine transmission fluid flush for $59.95 on July 10, 2004 and I was called back and informed there were metal shavings in the transmission. I asked [Danielle] what needs to be done and I was informed the transmission needed to be inspected. I asked what the cost was and I was informed $335. I agreed to the charge and I was put into a rental car of which [Danielle] agreed to pay 3 days, except Sunday's when they are closed. I charged $30 to my debit card because Danielle said they had to put some charge on there for the owner to see even though no work was done.

Danielle said she would call me on Monday, July 12, 2004 and let me know what the problem is and if it is cheaper to have it repaired with her [Master Transmissions] or at the dealer. I had to call Danielle several times on Monday and she did not have any information yet. She finally called around 5:00 pm and informed me it would be $2000 to repair my transmission and it would cost $2500 at the dealer. I informed Danielle that I did not expect to pay that much and told her I would bring her the remaining $305 and pick up my vehicle.

Danielle informed me that my car would not do me any good without my transmission. She said for the remaining $305 she could "put my transmission in a box". Danielle stated to put my transmission back together without any work being done would be $1000. When I informed Danielle that I did not have $1000 she replied "how much money do you have?" I told her I expected the repair to cost a couple hundred dollars and she said I could give her $500 and setup a payment plan. I disagreed and told her I would give her a call later.

I retained an attorney and file complaints with the Better Business Bureau, The Federal Trade Commission and The Indiana Attorney General. I also held a peaceful protest in front of their [Master Transmission] establishment and they called the police to try and silence me. Two of the mechanics tried to intimidate the protestors with the use of a dog. Today is Thursday August 12, 2004 and I still do not have my vehicle back. I have since paid $560 for the use of the rental car during the month of July and I am currently incurring fees for the month of August.

Danielle contacted me on Friday August 6, 2004 saying she would give me my car back for the remaining $305 and she would call me by Monday or Tuesday of the following week to inform me when my vehicle would be ready. I did not hear from Danielle so I called her today Thursday August 12, 2004 and she stated that my car would be ready but I had to bring cash because her credit card machine was not working. I informed Danielle, all I had was my credit card and she can call me when the machine was working. Danielle asked if I could get a cash advance on my credit card or borrow the money from someone. I informed her "no" and told her to call me when the machine is working. I called back and she said the machine still was not working and if they have to repair it she would not get a new machine until Monday, August 17, 2004. I told Danielle that I would pick the car up on Monday and she said she would call me back and see if there is something else she could do. I am waiting to hear from her.

Kamisha
Crown Poiny, Indiana
U.S.A.

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