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Report: #73622

Complaint Review: Cottman Transmission - Phoenix Arizona

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  • Reported By: Phoenix Arizona
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  • Cottman Transmission 9401 N 7th St Phoenix, Arizona U.S.A.

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The BBB report currently (as of Dec 1, 2003) lists "Antonio Cartelli, III, President" as the "Principal" of this Cottman Transmission Franchise. I don't think that he's the current owner, but another company listed on the repair orders is "HRC Automotive Enterprises, Inc. 2300" which is probably his corporation. I recently worked with Robert Uhl and "Dave".

In February, 2003 I brought in my vehicle for transmission repair. We (my wife and I) drive a standard transmission. There was grinding sounds in 1st and 2nd gear. Tony was very friendly and helpful, providing me with a "$300 discount" due to the long time they took to begin repairs. This is a "standard" discount and fairly irrelevant. They completed repairs a month later, taking such a long time due to the difficulty in finding the appropriate parts. The total price of repairs was $1200, and I paid $300 down and financed $900 with a company called Contract Funding. We paid off the note in August.

In November I noticed that we had a grinding sound in both 1st and 2nd gears, the same problem that we had originally. We brought the car back to Cottman and were told by Robert Uhl that the transmission had to be replaced due to a leak. This does not make sense to me because the transmission was recently repaired. It should not leak from average use, and we drive very defensively. We have had to pay $200 down and finance with Contract Funding $1377 for the same work. This situation is unsatisfactory, and we feel that Cottman should pay us at least $1577 and ideally $2577 for the lost time from work.

Unhappy with Cottman
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 12/01/2003 02:24 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/cottman-transmission/phoenix-arizona-85020/cottman-transmission-hrc-automotive-enterprises-2300-cottman-transmission-failed-to-repa-73622. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
13Consumer
0Employee/Owner

#13 Consumer Comment

poor follow thru and not double checking the work

AUTHOR: TRANZMN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 05, 2004

Thurane~~~The real problem was with the shops follow thru~~~its seems the shop forgot about you after they got the money~~~if i understand cottman procedure correctly their warranty is not valid if the vehicle is not brought back for a 10 day checkup. This includes checking for proper operation and "leaks" i feel had this been done the "leaks" would have been caught and the next failure could of been avoided by all concerned. If only a road test was performed without raising the car to check for leaks "who"? was at fault.~~~sometimes leaks don't show until the vehicle has been heated up under normal use for bout 200-500 miles. If this were my situation with my customer i'd eat the repair costs~~~ it seems antonio doesn't see the point of customer satisfaction or honesty~~~~THE TRANZMN

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#12 Author of original report

An updated review of the facts regarding the standard trans repair.

AUTHOR: Thurane - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

Here are corrections to Tom's points:

I am the gen. mgr. at the Phx 7th St. Cottman center. Let me review the fact as I know them.

1) The standard trans was repaired in Feb 2003; at that time there was problem both with parts availablitiy in Phx and the customers ability to pay for the repair. That is why it took so long to get the car back to the customer. the majority of the delay was financing related.

-The majority of the delay was not financing related, it was due to the inordinate length of time to locate the parts and complete the job. The financing was approved immediately.

2) A huge discount was given to accomidate the cutomer and finally deliver the car, well over 33%.

-That was the least Tony could do for the ridiculously long wait for the repair work.

4) The standard warranty of 6 month 6,000 miles way given at that time.

5) We got the car back (the 1st time) since Feb., 9 months and well over the 6,000 miles, and most important with no gear oil in the transmission.

-There should not have been a loss of gear oil in so short a tim period.

6) Repairs were done based on the abuse the customer caused, by not taking reasonable care of his car. With no oil there was more damage that before, from lack of lubrication.

-We did not "abuse" the car. We do take "reasonable" care of our car.

7) We got the customer financing again at his request.... with never a complaint.

-We financed through the same company as before, who did so due (in part) to a satisfactory credit history with them the first time.

8) One month later in December we started recieving faxed copies of this complaint at lest once a day some times twice. Along with the endless faxes, I have been told to settle or he will contact everyone in my area to tell them I ripped him off.

-If necessary, I will follow through with those actions up to and including picketing if I feel that it is necessary to make my point and as a part of my collection activities.

Consumers need to take resposiblity for the basic maintainance of their cars. The problem here is an oil leak that should have been noticed, and not our workmanship.

Tom - Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.

-I believe that it is a part of your responsibility to ensure that your workmanship includes proper repairs and quality controls to prevent the leaks you missed and instead blame on me.

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#11 Consumer Comment

the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles

AUTHOR: TRANZMN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

TO TOM FROM COTTMAN

TOM~~you and i know the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles.~~~~~~even in the cars service manual it does not say to check the trans oil so often. This job had a problem from the start. Since the job was done from start to finish at your shop the buck stops with your shop not the customer. Even a small leak will eventually run out all the oil. BE RESPONSIBLE TOM , DO THE RIGHT THING and eat the loss its your responsibility to make it right.~~~THE TRANZMN

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#10 Consumer Comment

the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles

AUTHOR: TRANZMN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

TO TOM FROM COTTMAN

TOM~~you and i know the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles.~~~~~~even in the cars service manual it does not say to check the trans oil so often. This job had a problem from the start. Since the job was done from start to finish at your shop the buck stops with your shop not the customer. Even a small leak will eventually run out all the oil. BE RESPONSIBLE TOM , DO THE RIGHT THING and eat the loss its your responsibility to make it right.~~~THE TRANZMN

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#9 Consumer Comment

the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles

AUTHOR: TRANZMN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

TO TOM FROM COTTMAN

TOM~~you and i know the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles.~~~~~~even in the cars service manual it does not say to check the trans oil so often. This job had a problem from the start. Since the job was done from start to finish at your shop the buck stops with your shop not the customer. Even a small leak will eventually run out all the oil. BE RESPONSIBLE TOM , DO THE RIGHT THING and eat the loss its your responsibility to make it right.~~~THE TRANZMN

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#8 Consumer Comment

the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles

AUTHOR: TRANZMN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, January 03, 2004

TO TOM FROM COTTMAN

TOM~~you and i know the transmission should not have lost the lube oil in 6000 miles.~~~~~~even in the cars service manual it does not say to check the trans oil so often. This job had a problem from the start. Since the job was done from start to finish at your shop the buck stops with your shop not the customer. Even a small leak will eventually run out all the oil. BE RESPONSIBLE TOM , DO THE RIGHT THING and eat the loss its your responsibility to make it right.~~~THE TRANZMN

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#7 UPDATE Employee

A review of the facts regarding the standard trans repair

AUTHOR: Tom - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 30, 2003

I am the gen. mgr. at the Phx 7th St. Cottman center. Let me review the fact as I kow them.
1) The standard trans was repaired in Feb 2003;at that time there was problem both with parts availablitiy in Phx and the customers ability to pay for the repair. That is why it took so long to get the car back to the customer.. the majority of the delay was financing related.

2) A huge discount was given to accomidate the cutomer and finally deliver the car, well over 33%.

4) The standard warranty of 6 month 6,000 miles way given at that time.

5) We got the car back (the 1st time) since Feb., 9 months and well over the 6,000 miles, and most important with no gear oil in the transmission.

6) Repairs were done based on the abuse the customer caused, by not taking reasonable care of his car. With no oil there was more damage that before, from lack of lubrication.

7) We got the customer financing again at his request.... with never a complaint.

8) One month later in December we started recieving faxed copies of this complaint at lest once a day some times twice. Along with the endless faxes, I have been told to settle or he will contact everyone in my area to tell them I ripped him off.

Consumers need to take resposiblity for the basic maintainance of their cars. The problem here is an oil leak that should have been noticed, and not our workmanship.

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#6 Author of original report

Cottman Corporate Responds Again

AUTHOR: Thurane - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 23, 2003

This time, not quite as nice a response as the first:

Dear Mr. Khin,

This matter is between you and the Phoenix-7th Street Cottman Center, (as stated in our previous correspondence, which provided you with owner and contact information). Cottman Systems is a national franchisor of transmission repair centers. Cottman Systems does not operate any Cottman Transmission Centers. Each Center is individually owned and operated. Each individual owner is responsible and liable for the operations of their individual Center, including the quality of their work and warranty repairs.

Pursuant to the warranty on your repair order, the sole remedy is another repair, not refund. The reverse of your repair order specifically states, "warrantor assumes no responsibility for consequential damages or incidential expense (i.e. rental car expense, loss of wages) resulting from any defect or malfunction." Any repair or consequential expenses
incurred are not the responsibility of Cottman Systems.

While it is unfortunate that you are dissatisfied with the service you received, there will be no reimbursement made by this office.

Sincerely yours,

Carol Iacullo
Director - Customer Relations

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#5 Author of original report

Cottman Corporate Responses

AUTHOR: Thurane - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 22, 2003

The BBB & Cottman Corporate have provided fairly timely initial responses:

BBB Response -

RE: COTTMAN TRANSMISSION - #27026886

Dear Thurane:

The Better Business Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona (BBB) has received your complaint involving the above-mentioned company, and a copy of it has been forwarded to the company.

Once the company receives your complaint, they are asked to respond to the BBB in writing; at which time we will forward you a copy of their reply. The complaint process can be quite lengthy. We appreciate your patience during this time.

The mission of the BBB is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence.

We act as a neutral third party, working to promote an ethical marketplace. We try to facilitate the resolution of complaints and seek a mutually satisfactory outcome in disputes between businesses and consumers.

Thank you for allowing the BBB to assist you in this matter

Privacy Policy and How Your Information May Be Shared: The BBB will send a copy of your complaint to the company complained about. We will also release personal information to appropriate governmental authorities under the following circumstances: where release is required by law (ex. a subpoena) or regulations, or is requested by a government agency conducting investigations or proceedings; where our records indicate a company may be engaged in fraudulent activity or other deceptive practice that a governmental agency should be made aware of; where warranted by a company's failure to participate in the BBB's advertising self-regulatory process; or where your communications suggest possible harm to others. The BBB never sells or rents personal information. More information can be found online at www.arizonabbb.org.

Sincerely,

Sherri Brauer


Cottman Corporate Response -

I am responding to you on behalf of our Vice President, Mr. Mark DiMuzio. We are very sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with the Phoenix-7th street Cottman Center.

Each Cottman Center is independently owned and operated and they are solely responsible for all service work performed at their Centers; including all warranty work. Our records show the owners of the Phoenix-7th Street Cottman as Mr. Tony Cartelli and also Mr. Tom Greer.

You may e-mail Mr. Greer, or you may contact him on his cell number. Robert and Dave are both Managers working under Tom Greer. It is our hope that a favorable outcome results for both sides.

If you should need further assistance, please contact me back.

Sincerely yours,

Carol Iacullo
Director - Customer Relations

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#4 Author of original report

Here is the breakdown of costs that we feel should be reimbursed by Cottman Transmission

AUTHOR: Thurane - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 15, 2003

Cottman Transmission, Phoenix, AZ: Reimbursement Requirements

Here is the breakdown of costs that we feel should be reimbursed by Cottman Transmission to us:

Transmission repair costs plus interest for the second job: $1591
Inconvenience: $500
Transportaiton: $200
Business lost in dollars: $1000
Collection costs: $500
Related expenses: $250
Result of what they did: $500
Service expenses: $150
Hours making phone calls & conducting internet etc. research: $600
Aggravation & stress: $500

TOTAL: $5791

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#3 Consumer Comment

sounds like they wern't even looking for you

AUTHOR: TRANZMN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, December 13, 2003

wow~~~wow~~~wow !!!!

Thurane~~~~~~~~I sure wish i could sell you the parts on this one~~~~~a complete trans "no waiting" 895.00 plus shippng in three days max~~~~~to anywhere in the U.S.A~~~~~~~with a 6 month guaranty~~~~sounds like they wern't even looking for you~~~~~ sorry you went back~~~~THE TRANZMN

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#2 Author of original report

4 week wait was attributed to their inability to locate the parts

AUTHOR: Thurane - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, December 12, 2003

The long delay from the original job was not due to our financial status or ability to pay. We were told that the repair would be completed in 2-3 days. The 4 week wait was attributed to their inability to locate the parts and the right transmission for our '98 Suzuki Esteem.

The original problem was: "Metal in transmission, driver's side axle no good, 3rd gear not fully engaging and grinding, no 2nd gear, 1st gear not fully engaging."

The original work performed between 2/4/03 - 2/28/03
and the charges:

Bearing Set - $159.98
Gasket & Seal Set - $79.98
4 Transmission Oil - $10.00
Turn Flywheel - $75.00
Clutch Pack - $231.00
7 Labor - $525.00
Driver's Side Axle - $89.99
Discount On Parts - -$100
40% Discount on Parts - -$193.43
Tax - $22.48
Subtotal: $900.00
Downpayment on Financing - $300.00
Total Cost With Interest:- $1,004.00

The new problem was (note the similarity to the original problem):

"Grinding in 1st and 2nd gears, noise when cold and starting."

The new work performed between 11/24/03 - 11/26/03 and the charges, (note the similarity to the original work):

Labor - $595.00
Parts - $881.59
Bearing Set
Brass Rings
Gasket & Seal Set
Small Parts Kit
Oil
2 Good Used Gears
Discount - -$300.00
Tax - $47.11
Subtotal: $1,223.70
Downpayment on Financing - $200.00
Total Cost With Interest - $1,620.00

I filed a complaint with the Phoenix BBB on Friday, 12/12/03.

Another complaint against this Cottman Location, listed in The Rip-Off Report as well:

"Cottman Transmission ripoff - Bring in a running vehicle to be checked and have your "repaired" vehicle NEED to be TOWED AWAY 7 months and over $6,000 later! What a Nightmare!! Phoenix Arizona *UPDATE ..WHAT A DIFFERENCE RIP OFF REPORT ADVOCATES AND A FOX NEWS CAMERA CREW MAKE!"

There are 47 total complaints against Cottman Transmission nationwide in The Rip-Off Report.

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#1 Consumer Comment

A month to repair a standard is a long time

AUTHOR: TRANZMN - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, December 03, 2003

RIGHT ON TIME? MR/MRS unhappy~~~~A month to repair a standard is a long time~~~~too long~~~~~unless this car is very old or is some exotic (i doubt) 1577.00 is a lot for the wait and the repair~~~~ ordering parts from the dealer or many aftermarket suppliers can take 2-3 days to complete parts order unless there are parts on back order all over the US. Otherwise they could have "red labeled" the shipment from anywhere in the US and they would have the parts the next morning. Unless the month was full of holidays maybe 20 of them in the same month?~~~~This sounds like they didn't really care how long it took.~~~~Or did your money situation have a lot to do with it????~~~~~~~~~~THE TRANZMN

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