I do not recommend this shop. They can be friendly but are technically incapable of performing capable work. They are also very expensive.

In July 2009 we took our 2003 Volvo to Cottman's with a hard shift problem in to/out of 2nd & 3rd. They estimated what was needed to repair and my fiance agreed to $2, 973 to fix the hard shift problem.

We have since taken it back at least 3 more times, none of which did more than improve the shifting temporarily.

Last month, I contacted Cottman's Transmission corporate asking for a refund since the shop obviously could not repair the original problem. Shortly after that, the shop owner, Julian Baston finally called me. He took a test drive with me and verified the hard shift problem remained.

He asked to have one more chance before a full refund. Despite the time and trouble already cost us, I agreed..but on the condition the work - whatever he thinks it needs - be performed at a Volvo dealership at his expense. After 4 tries, I think we have seen that his shop is not able to get this done.

Mr. Baston agreed to pay for some of the work but not all. Why when these are his recommendations? Personally, we would just like the shifting fixed.

So, we are without our money...without our nice running Volvo...and with almost a year's worth of shop trips and hard shifting.

I will be glad to answer any questions you have to help you make a quality decision. These are expensive repairs and you should have all the facts.