I have been taking my vehicles to Austin's Automotive Specialists on I35 for several years with good results. This changed DRAMATICALLY with my last transaction with them. I have a Ford F150 that was having transmission problems. Upon examination, Andy informed me that it needed a new torque converter and that it would be best to replace the entire transmission with a remanufactured unit because of the age and high mileage of the truck. When asked the cost to do this he told me "around$6,000.00" A few weeks later I took it in for confirmation of the work needed and he called me and again told me with would be "around $6,000.00". I took the truck in and told them to proceed with the work. Imagine my surprise when I went to pick up the truck that the cost was OVER $9,000.00!!! I was dumbfounded! When I confronted Andy and told him he had said it would be around $6,000 he said Oh No, that is just the cost of the transmission with no labor!! At no point did he EVER say the cost would be $9,000.00. At this point, all I knew to do was pay the bill and go home. But no, this sad saga was not over! While driving home THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IT HAD BEFORE THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED. Needless to say, I was furious and returned the truck the next day. So after 2-3 weeks of waiting for ANOTHER transmission which was installed, it now seems to be repaired. Needless to say I will never be back.
I am sorry about the poor communication. Andy should only quote complete costs not by the piece or part. I will make sure he stops that practice. As far as the defective part we got from our supplier, it unfortunately happens way to often. It causes grief and inconvenience for our customers and extra work for us. I will have Andy reach out to you.
- 1800 S I-35 Frontage Road