Aamco Merriam is a prime example of why this website was created. Don't spend a dime here. I wouldn't let these people touch my car again for free.

We took our car here because we suspected a transmission problem and noticed their 'free' diagnositic test offer. Well all that means is that they drive it around the block and then tell you you need to pay for the $100+ to hookup it up to the computer for the real diagnostic test.

We fell for it and paid for the diagnostic. The diagnostic test indicated that the vehicle need a tune up ($400+). I questioned the employee 'John' because the issues seemed more significant than a tune up would fix. I was assured the tune up would fix the problems. Keep in mind this is a 2001 vehicle and we were at the point of not wanting to spend a lot of money on it and were comtemplating just getting rid of it. After the $400+ tune up we were then told that the vehicle actually needed a new catalytic converter ($600).

As you might imagine I was upset at this point. We would have never spent the $400 in the first place unless we were told it would fix the problem. I specifially questioned 'John' about this prior to the work being done. After the fact he claims that he told me that the tune up was needed to even see what the problem was. LIE, LIE, LIE. Again we wouldv'e never OK'd the $400 tune up. At this point I'm questioning the point of the $100+ diagnostic test that apparently can't diagnosis anything. I expressed my unhappiness to 'John' who is also apparently the customer service guy (that is hilarious...) and they offer $100 discount on the catalytic converter. No thanks, no way I'm paying these guys another penny. How about a refund on a portion of inflated tune up costs?!?! 'John' also wouldn't tell me who the name of the owner which is interesting on it's own... This place is very shady please don't waste your time and money here. Please also do an internet search prior to having work done here. I wish we would have! There are a number of other people with similar issues/problems.

I took my 2002 Explorer to AAMCO for a transmission fluid change on 2-18-09. Soon afterward, I found the transmission would disengage on a hard stop. I took the car back on 4-22-09 to check on what the problem may be, and AAMCO Customer Service Manager David Migdol told me to come back later in the afternoon. As my free time is extremely limited, I took the car to another certified repair shop, and they found the transmission fluid to be 2 quarts low!!! How can that be? My car does not leak a drop of anything. After paying $48.64 for the solution to the problem (the car runs great now) I went back to Mr. Migdol, and I was practically accused of lying. He told me he would give me an unspecified discount on some other service, but I do not trust AAMCO to do a proper job anymore. What is my recourse for reimbursement of the $48.64 spent on repairing my car correctly? Who knows what damage was done to my transmission after driving two months with low fluid. I am quite upset and disappointed.

After only 11, 000 miles this $2950. AAMCO transmission rebuild failed. Aamco charged another $2750. to fix it which took 7 weeks... lots of drama & stole the cars battery in the process. The trans was rebuilt by Transmission Rebuild Center (San Jose) who refused to warranty it to Aamco.

I dropped my car off on November 28th. They said they would call me with what was wrong. On Dec 5th they called and the torque converter needed replaced. I asked if they were going to replace it with a new one they said yes. I asked them to fix the e-brake. They replaced the caliper in the rear.

I was charged $437.03 on 12/10/08 and picked up the car. I found out they installed a rebuilt torque converter. One week later the ebrake was not working. I stopped there and they dislodged the stuck ebrake. They said to call back after the New Year because they were swamped. I called twice in January they said to call back because they were swamped. I also told them my transmission was having issues again. I called on 2/4/09 they said to come in the next day. I went there, and they said they didn’t have anything until a week later.


From the day AFTER I dropped my car off the 2 guys I spoke to every time were extremely rude, short and mean. They would tell me different things every time I called. It felt like I was being treated that way due to the 2 men being racist. The day I picked up the car, 12/10, I asked what time do you close, he said 3:15pm. When I got there I asked why did you tell me you close at 3:15? He said you must have spoken to someone else. I don’t know why he said that.

My car still has ebrake issues, $529.26 repair at the dealership and there is transmission fluid leaking in the rear $243.56 repair at the dealer.

I have called Aamco customer care 2 times now and left messages.

I have called the warrant company to tell them what they did, I am waiting to hear back.

I am looking to be reimbursed for my cost at Aamco, because of the cost I incurred at the dealership.

Bringing my car into this AAMCO was the worst experience with any business that I have ever had. I spoke withthe owner Vijay last week and told him my situation. My speedometer stopped working and the day it stopped working I noticed my check engine light would go on about ten minutes into driving and shut off everytime I turned the car off. AAMCO advertisment states that they will check and diagnose the "check engine light for free promotion." After speaking with Vjay many times on whn to bring the car in I took a day off and brought it in. I called about two hours before to make sure he remembered me and taht it was still ok to bring in my vehicle. His exact words were that I could bring it in and they would look at it for 45 minutes and if they couldn't figure it out they would call me and I could make the descision to move forward or take my car back free of charge. He stated that I shouldn't go spend a bunch of money somewhere when they would check t free of charge. I was satisfied and arranged a ride, and a rental car. I was just relieved to have someone look at it at this point.
I arrived at AAMCO at 1:30 pm and was behind a couple that was getting their car. After they were done I was greeted by the manager. He stated that Vijay wasn't there and "what did I need?" I stated that Vijay told me to come in to get the engine light checked and that I could get whatever work done here once it is diagnosed if i chose to do so. He laughed about me taking teh day off and said "its almost 2pm, what are you talking about?" I was immediately turned off by Steve's attitude and I already knew I did not want to do business with this guy. He then calls Vijay asking him if this was true about doing a free engine light check.
He slammed the phone on the reciever and said "ok I will look at it for 15 minutes and you better believe I will be calling you to start charging you almost immediately. Your car is a dinosaur and its old man!" I was so repulsed and insulted that I said "this was obviously a bait and switch to get me in here and I am leaving now." He then kept telling me to stop looking for freebies and to get a new car if I didn't like it. I let him get the best of me and I told him that he was a jerk and I have never been talked to in this manner. I then walked ou and got into my car. Steve followed me out yelling that I need a new car and threatened to "beat my ass, " if I complained. He then yelled some racial slurrs that don't apply to me whatsoever. I am Italian and Irish and he was calling me a "stupid mexican!" I don't know who you have ruuning your stores but this guy is a huge liability. I have contacted the BBB as well as my family attorney. The racial slurrs and the intimidation was all over me being invited in to take advantage of a national advertisment. I understand that there are restrictions and limitations to prmotions but this cost me a day off of work, a rental car, humiliation and being intimidated? I know I have an old car. I get in it everyday and drive it. I don't need to be ridiculed about driving a "dinosaur." I would NEVER take my car to these crooks