NATIONWIDE TRANSMISSION, RESCUE TRANSMISSIONS Transmission Fraud, Internet Scam, Theft Denton Texas

My son's transmission failed and needed to be repaired or replaced. I got a quote of $1600 to have a used transmission replaced from my local salvage yard. I contacted my mechanic who was not able to do the work himself because he just had surgery. He had already drained and replaced the fluids to see if that would help, but it did not so he suggested I take it to a transmission specialist. AAMCO gave an estimate of between $1800 - $3000 depending on the severity of the damage to the transmission.

So I did an internet search and found Nationwide Transmission claiming to rebuild transmission starting at $987 and up. I contacted them and the sales person, Curly, told me from the sound of the problems I should only need "soft parts" and gave me a quote of $1197. He had me review a video they had online stating that the price can be higher if "hard parts" are required. So I asked Curly what the highest amount would be. My son had to get a loan in order to do this and I wanted to make sure he had enough money. He again assured me that according to what I told him it sounded like "soft parts" and he didn't think I would need any more than the quot of $1197.

So I allowed them to have my car picked up. They took $10 out for "good faith" for towing the car. They had the car sent to Butler Automotive in Rockville, MD. Which is over 2 hours from my home. I was hesitant about that, but once Ben, the rep. handling our car called, he assured me that was the best place for the car and they had worked with them in the past and they were an excellent company. So I agreed to let them take the car there.

About 3 days later Ben called me and told me they had taken the transmission out and apart and it did only need the "soft parts" and he would need to take the cost for the parts out of my account. He withdrew $680 from my account for the parts. Another week went by and I was calling and emailing Nationwide with no responce. I finally decided to call Butler Transmission to see what the status of the car was and was told that they had not touched the car and was waiting for Rich to call them with approval to start the work.

I told Ed at Butler Automotive what I was told by Ben at Nationwide about the car only needing hard parts. Ed at Butler informed me that he thought they were a scam because he had not yet touched the car and he had 3 cars there where the customers had given up money to Nationwide and now do not have the funds to pick up their vehicles. I told him I had been trying to reach Nationwide without any luck. He gave me his contact info (Rich at Nationwide).

I called that number and Rich was not there but John, a manager was. John repeatedly appologized to me for the "misunderstanding" and I let him have it about ripping people off and lying about the car only needing "soft parts" and that I had spoke to Butler and know that the whole "hard part/softpart" was a lie and a scam. And I wanted my money back and wanted them to pay for the towing of the car. John said I would get my money back but they would not pay for the towing.

It has been over 2 weeks since they took the car and I still have not received my money back from they. I have filed a dispute through Visa to try to get my money back based on the fact that they were raided and shut down. In the meanwhile, Ed at Butler Automotive worked with me and gave me a HUGE discount because he felt bad about the whole situation and wants people to know that he has an honest company. Which I will vouch for.

This has been a financial NIGHTMARE! Not for me but for my son. Please do not believe everything you see. I was nieve and tried to find the best deal for my son and it nearly ended up costing him. Thank goodness that Butler Automotive was so helpful and we did not end up in the mess that a lot of the other customers of Nationwide Transmission did. I hope the FBI locks them up and throws away the key!!!

Laurelle
MARBURY, Maryland
U.S.A.