Tanner Transmission Jim Tanner So overpriced, the dealer was cheaper. Sandy Utah

My 2006 Nissan Titan started to slip when in drive.  I took my truck to the dealer and they checked the levels, added some and called it good.  As I left, it started to slip again, so I took it back.  The dealer suggested I get the transmission flushed.  The vehicle only has 60K miles on it, so I thought this seemed reasonable.  I made the appointment with the dealer.  Upon my return, and speaking with the service manager, it was advised I don't flush as it would cause other issues.  In fact, the dealer recommended a complete replacement.  The cost, a staggering $4300.  Part of that charge was the installation, but still very high.  I looked for alternatives. 

Next, I took my truck to Tanner Transmissions and met Jim Tanner, the manager, and asked about their services.  Jim looked up the price of a completely rebuilt transmission from the dealer, and quoted a higher price than the dealer did..but regardless, stated "..I can definitely beat this price", which was $3500.  I asked how much it would be and Jim said he couldn't tell me until I his mechanics, and rebuild team, took the transmission apart and only replaced the defective items.  I researched other options, but ultimately took my truck to Tanner Transmissions.

As I dropped my truck off, Jim asked for the cost of disassembling the transmission upfront, $690.  I agreed and paid using my American Express.  One week later, I contacted Jim (he did mention it would take a week to complete the disassembling of the transmission), but there wasn't any status to report.  The next day, Jim contacted me and said he received the report back as to what would need to be fixed.  I asked the cost..$5300.  Yes, more than the dealer.  Keep in mind, that does not include the $690 I already paid. 

So, in total I would have to pay almost $6000.  I told Jim this was unacceptable.  He said he would call me back after he talked to his manager to work me a better price.  He called me back and said, $4700.  Still unacceptable.  I told him I need to think about this.  In the meantime, I found a used transmission that had close to the same mileage I had on mine for $1300.  I ordered it and had it sent to Tanner Transmissions.  1 week later the used transmission arrived.

Jim contacted me and said there were a few instructions with the used transmission to adhere to the warranty, e.g. replace filter, etc.  I agreed to the additional work and he proceeded.  Part of the original cost of, $690, included the flushing of the transmission.  I agreed, and Jim had his mechanic perform the flush.  Jim contact me shortly after and informed me there was "water" in the used transmission and he would NOT be responsible for installing a transmission with the damage.  I completely agreed and said to not proceed with the flush.  What I didn't know was Jim had his mechanic install the transmission without checking if there was damage.  This is an import side note because it involves a cost later.

At this point I called the used transmission company and they requested to speak with Tanner Transmissions and provide proof in the form of pictures.  I asked Jim to text me the pictures and I emailed them to the RMA department.  After a few additional email exchanges, my return was approved and shipment was arranged.  I was not charged for shipping in either direction and was refunded the entire amount.  The used transmission company did ask if I wanted a new transmission, but I was gun shy at this point.

I contacted the dealer and negotiated a better price of $3300 installed.  I agreed.  I contacted Jim, who said "..you need to do something with this..I need it out of my shop".  OK, I had a tow truck come over and pick the truck up.  However, Jim said I need to pay for what they had done.  Jim charged me $1100 for his mechanics time for the removal and any additional work they provided.  Again, I paid this with my Amex (who I am going to contact about Tanner Transmission).  The tow truck dropped the truck  off.

The dealer ordered the new transmission and said it would arrive in a week.  One week later, I went to pick up my truck.  As I got into the truck, I noticed my tonneau cover was off.  I asked the service manager where it was and he said it didn't arrive with one.  I headed to Tanner Transmissions and he said it left his site with it on.  I contacted the towing company, who the dealer uses exclusively, and they said the driver did not see the tonneau cover on, and in fact saw the used transmission in the bed (which later I found out leaked all in my bed).  I called Jim and informed him of the statement the towing company provided and Jim said "..what would I do with your tonneau cover??".  I said it was about what he would do with it, and that he had two options..either he give me back the tonneau cover or I would contact the police.  He said, call the cops and hung up.

I contact the police and after investigating and interviewing me, it was a case of "he said she said" and they could not prove any criminal activity happened.  The police advised I pursue Tanner Transmissions in small claims court.

I will never recommend or use Tanner Transmissions again.  This story, even after I wrote it, sounds like something out of a movie.  I contacted my insurance company and I will be issuing a claim to get a new tonneau cover, but they aren't going to pursue getting the money from Tanner Transmissions because..how can they prove it.