AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care
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Review Highlights
“Derek figured out what was wrong with my transmission and he was so nice to offer me a complimentary diagnostic.” in 127 reviews
“The couple of bad reviews I've read here may have confused Aamco Walnut Creek with the Aamco in Concord.” in 17 reviews
“Brian and Araceli were very helpful and provided great service and explained to me everything which I am grateful for.” in 9 reviews
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About the Business
People who know go to AAMCO! We are the experts in transmission repair and complete car care - clutches, brakes, factory scheduled maintenance, electrical, check engine lights, radiators, overheating problems, a/c and more.
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Ask the Community
Q:
Hello, I am wondering if your organization supports with payment options? I am in need of all of my breaks redone and am unfortunately in a tight budget. Also if so would there be a credit approval?
A:
Lorin, We use Synchrony Car Care and EasyPay Finance. We have links on our Aamco Walnut Creek website under financing options.
Derek T., Business OwnerQ:
I have 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie truck V8 5.2L front wheel drive that needs a new or rebuilt automatic transmission. How much do you charge?
A:
Chris, For a drivability issue we always start out as a no charge expert opinion. The easiest thing is to drop off the truck and let us inspect the vehicle. What symptoms are you having? Please call me during business hours… more
Derek T., Business Owner1 person found this helpful
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Overall rating
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- Jason W.Pleasant Hill, CA10818316May 28, 2024
AAMCO in Walnut Creek did great on my Transmission service replacement work that I needed done on my Chevy Tahoe. I was quoted from three shops and AAMCO came in with a great price and took more time than others to educate me on the source of their parts and the work that needed to be done and why.
Once I authorized the work the actual price came down a bit from the original quote so they over delivered there when it came to price.
I was on a tight time frame and AAMCO delivered the finished work much faster than originally planned.
I was able to get the car back and in time to take the family for a special memorial day trip.
With a bigger ticket item like a transmission the price tag is never fun to look at, but they quickly offered me financing options to pay with no interest over 6 months so that made the whole thing much easier to take in.
Overall Derek and his team were amazing with price, speed and service. My Tahoe is running great and should be for some time now. I'll be going to them for any future repair needs.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - BrendaPleasanton, CA015Jun 26, 2024
Honestly, I was hoping that would be a great place where a single woman coming to an auto service would be treated with honesty. I agree the owner and his partner seem nice, pleasant and polite. Until it comes to pricing unfortunately....
I am currently having a horrible experience with this place. Last week I got a quote for the job on my car for $1065 for changing solenoid pack on the transmission. Prices on the Internet are various but usually range from around 450-$650 or this type of work (including labor) After this research $1065 sounded steep, but I accepted as I know this is the Bay Area and it's more expensive here. This was last week. I called to check in today. everything sounded wonderful. The car is ready to be picked up.
Only after agreeing on the pick up time they sent me a text message saying that my invoice is ready and it is $1665. I called them immediately and said that there must be a misunderstanding because the price we agreed on was $1065.
And that I would have remembered if it was $1665 because I would have not given permission for a work that expensive!!! And trust me 1665 sounds very different and more much longer than 1065 :(
instead of calling me back Jay for the first time asked his female employee to give me a call back. Which is another weird thing why would you delegate someone to communicate your final decision? She basically said that there's nothing she can do, the price is fixed and it is going to be $1665. Oh, and she did offer me a "very generous" 10% discount for "the inconvenience".
I'm curious why they choose to text me the price only after the job was done. Why did they not text me at the time when we were discussing the price and agreed on $1065???
But the only thing she kept repeating, maybe even 10 times is that the price was agreed upon by me "VERBALLY" during last week's phone call. IF they base the price on a phone call that happened in the previous week, my OTHER question is WHY there is no recording of the phone call available????
WHY there was no text message to confirm the exact amount that was agreed upon?? In other words WHY there is no proof of the price that they said that needed to be paid? It is soo CONVIENIENT for these places to "overlook" such "detail" as texting or emailing the agreed sum before the work started.
Now they can basically say any prize they want. And of course, 1665 is "close enough" to 1065.
And a silly woman like me will not even notice the difference or even if she does notice the difference then you can just tell her :" well we agreed on that last week on the phone call. "Well where is the proof of the phone call where is the recording of the phone call?" "Oh, We don't actually record those phone calls."
"Did you text me the price"? "No we don't text the price before the work is done"
And I know that they don't care about my review because with the amount of cars in the Bay Area and with the they have abundance of clients anyways.
Ps. For the record, even if I count full 5 hours of work (which I highly doubt they did) on the car x $196 which she and he quoted that comes to $980. The cost of solenoid from car dealers is around $250. I am attaching four or five screenshots of different dealers offering this in this price range. That would mean that the final cost would come to 1350.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Kevin C.San Francisco, CA01Aug 9, 2024
Had my AC compressor fixed and nine months later the AC was not working. Brought it back in and got an estimate for over $2000 to fix the AC because it was related to another part of the system so the warrantee on the compressor would not cover the repair.
Got a second estimate and the issue was a simple reloading of freon from a small leak...total cost $125.
I would get a second estimate before committing to this aamco.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Derek T.
Aug 9, 2024
Kevin, Our quote was to repair the leak that was from the evaporator core behind the dash board. Not just recharge the system.
- Christina P.CA, CA1241Jun 17, 2024
Professional, friendly service from Derek, Jay, and Araceli. Surpassed expectations with quality of work and thorough communication throughout the process from estimate to final repairs. Highly recommend.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 60215358Jan 17, 2024Updated review
Second time using these guys and still very pleased. My Jeep was having an issue and they were able to accommodate me very quickly. First spoke with Eugene and worked with Derek again which they both were awesome. I was honestly anticipating my car to be there the whole week since I didn't have an appointment or anything and they had a really quick turn around time which made me very happy. Communication was thorough all throughout. Luckily what my car ended up needing was not anything too major. Overall very very happy with this team. Can't stress enough how happy I feel to have a shop out this way I know I can trust and plan to continue to use these guys. Thanks again Derek and team!
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Derek T.
Sep 26, 2023
Happy to help with your Jeep service anytime. Appreciate the trust and business.
Sep 25, 2023Previous reviewRecently had my Jeep serviced here for maintenance and extremely happy with overall service. I worked with Derek and Araceli also assisted with getting info ahead of drop off and payment by phone easy and simple. Being from the auto industry, I appreciated Derek's transparency and communication during the time I first reached out for service and while my Jeep was there. I also feel the price was fair, but honestly i did not even really shop it since I already felt like I was in good hands. Definitely plan on returning for any future automotive needs! Thanks team
- Jan 5, 2024
Derek is the man!
After being burned multiple times from a previous mechanic I gave AAMCO a call for a problem I thought I was having in my car. Derek couldn't have been nicer or more helpful! He gave me a rough diagnosis over the phone and was even texting me after hours helping me get the car dropped off by a tow truck around 11:30 pm! I thought it was a transmission issue and but he found it to be a busted axel. Constant communication and updates on the car the whole process made the process so much smoother! I dropped it off on a Tuesday at 11:30pm and I they had it up and rolling again by Thursday night! He even told me he would stay late if I wanted to pick it up that night but I just got the next day as he had already done more than enough to help! I've been back multiple times and they have gone above and beyond to help me! I don't even live that close but I will always have my vehicles worked on here! If you're having reservations about coming here for work, don't. You won't find a better place with nice and helpful people to get you back on your way!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Derek T.
Jan 6, 2024
Zack appreciate the kind words and endorsement. A review like this reminds me that I am running a shop the way people want to be treated.
- Beth P.Lafayette, CA02825Jan 18, 2024Updated review
If I could I would rate this business with ZERO stars. I was ripped off and I advice anyone going somewhere else for car repairs. I went there for auto repair and they damaged the initial problem I came in to have repaired.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1Business owner information
Derek T.
May 4, 2021
Beth, I’m sorry you feel treated unfairly. We try not to over repair (in other words change everything in the area just in case it might cause a problem) in your case with the power steering leak you were planning to sell the car so I repaired the obvious part that was leaking. The other part that also was leaking was next to the original part we replaced. As a courtesy since I did not completely solve the leak I only asked to help me with the additional part and I performed the labor at no charge since you had to bring it back. I hope you were able to sell the car and thank you for giving me that extra time to make sure there were no more power steering leaks after the second part replacement.
DerekJul 1, 2021Previous reviewIf I could give this business no stars I would! So I apologize for not disclosing the location of AAMCO. It's the one in Walnut Creek, Ca. (AUTOCENTER). Yelp friends, I have to share my experience with you because I wouldn't want anyone to go through my experience as it is potentially life threatening. I am NOT exaggerating. So a few months ago (I may not be accurate on the exact month but this did happen and I will edit my review with accurate dates and times. I took my sons 2001 Ford Focus ZTS to AAMCO (Walnut Creek, Ca.) (Autocenter). I got an estimate because the steering fluid had been leaking. I spoke with the owner (Derek) and arranged to drop the car off and have inspected.
I received a quote to replace the steering pump plus. I roughly spent $800+ after a few weeks of having dropped of the car. Yes a few weeks went by and I picked up the Ford Focus. I took an Uber to pick up the car. The drive between my home and AAMCO (Walnut Creek) is about 7-8 minutes (2.0 miles) not bad right?
As I was driving the car I felt the wheel stiff to control but I thought well this could be due to having had the steering pump and belt replaced and maybe the car needs to adjust to the new steering pump. This is the first time I replace a steering pump and belt on any car. After struggling with parking the car in the parking lot of my apartment I opened the front hood of the car and checked the steering fluid compartment to assure that All was fine. To my surprise the steering fluid compartment was empty.I thought how could this be? I contacted AAMCO and spoke to the friendly Receptionist who is professional and warm. I told her that the reason I was calling was because I had sent Derek (the owner) several texts regarding the problem I was having and it was unusual not to get a response from Derek as he had always responded
To my texts regarding car repairs. She told me to
Bring the car in so that the mechanic could take a look at it and inspect it. I thought to myself, how am I to drive the car (Ford Focus) while the steering fluid leaks out completely? I thought of having the car towed by AAA but I had already used up my benefits (towing as I share my membership with my son). This would
Cost me between $100-200 for a tow.
I did the following: bought 2 bottles of steering fluid to add to the car and if need be pull over and add more steering oil if the wheel begins to harden while driving the car back to AAMCO.
I drove the car back and dropped it off,
Over a week went by and I got a call from Derek stating that the car was ready but that he would have to charge me an additional $100 something for the "part" they put in. He assured me "there wouldn't be any labor charges" for this SECOND trip to his shop.
So this time I drove with my 20 year old son, Derek (the owner) told me he would leave the car key in a safe place for me to pick up otherwise he would have to charge me storage fee(s). I must add that I couldn't pick the car up as I needed to coordinate with my son otherwise I would have to use another UBER ride. I thought goodness the money invested in this car is getting higher and higher. I cautioned against investing more money into it as it is an old car and selling it I would
Just break even (basically get a refund) for the work done by AAMCO, Walnut Creek, Ca .
So my son and I picked up the Ford Focus it was late and AAMCO was closed. My son helped me and drove the Ford Focus to our home which is about 7-8 minute drive (2.0) miles. I followed him home. We drove into the parking lot of our apartment complex, I asked my son why he had taken longer than usual to park the car as he had driven bigger cars and knew how to drive and park well. His response shocked me! He said, " mom you try maneuvering the wheel of the car and see for yourself how hard and stiff the wheel is?" I opened the front hood to the Ford Focus and checked the steering fluid. To my surprise the steering fluid had leaked out completely. I asked him, " was the wheel this hard when you began driving "? He said, "no". It got this way as I was parking the car into the parking space. Since I had spare steering fluid from the previous experience I added steering fluid and put a newspaper under the car in the area where the steering fluid would leak. I did this as a test to see how if the fluid would leak and sure enough the fluid I added began to leak till the steering fluid compartment was empty. I contacted Derek and I was not a happy camper as this was the second time I had experienced the steering fluid leaking AGAIN! He suggested I bring the car back to him at this point I said, No I think it would be best if he refund me but I got no answer.May 4, 2021Previous reviewI would NOT return to this place. The owner is a nickel & diner. He will charge for anything & everything. My experience taught me a lesson not
To be blind. So I took one of
My cars to get fixed and later discovered that I had to take it back cause the problem (s) kept coming up. I thought well the vehicle is under their warranty right ? Wrong the owner
Left a message on my phone telling me he had to charge me additional l. So here I discover problems (not just one time) and he wants to charge me?
I am NOT returning to his shop any more as he caress more about charging for everything even when he should not. He needs to be a better businessman even in this economy. People beware.Mar 24, 2018Previous reviewMy first time taking my sons 2001 Ford Focus to Derek. He was very responsive and available to service the car. His team was knowledgeable and welcoming. My sons vehicle was fixed sooner than I expected. I took it in for a minor repair but they were able to diagnose the car and found other needful repairs. I am happy that the car runs better than when I brought it in:)
- Prudence V.Pleasant Hill, CA02Jul 24, 2024
I am very pleased with my experience at AAMCO in Walnut Creek . Derek and his team were very nice and professional. Derek figured out what was wrong with my transmission and he was so nice to offer me a complimentary diagnostic. Highly recommend !!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Vanessa S.Northern California, CA1522451274Jul 7, 2023
I started to notice a 'shudder' when driving my 2016 GMC Acadia. The dealership told me the torque converter was failing and recommended either repairing just the torque converter or doing a full transmission rebuild ($$$$). Since my vehicle was still drive-able I decided to give myself some time to think about all options and obtain other recommendations/costs. AAMCO recommended trying a fluid change with an additive first to see if it helped. Not going to lie - I had relatively low expectations on the outcome but decided it would be best to go this route first and to my AMAZEMENT, the shudder has significantly gone away.
AAMCO was the first and only transmission shop that suggested this as a option to try before going to more extensive and expensive options. I highly recommend this shop if you are in need of transmission related service or repair.Helpful 5Thanks 1Love this 2Oh no 1Business owner information
Derek T.
Jul 7, 2023
Vanessa, Glad the service helped and you noticed a difference in transmission performance.
Derek - Art Y.Pleasant Hill, CA11Jan 25, 2024
These guys area amazing. They really know Subaru transmission very well! Very supportive and explained everything.
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Derek T.
Jan 25, 2024
Art, Glad we could help.
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