Transmission shops generally get around this problem by giving high estimates, enough to cover virtually every possibility. They could then charge the high rate no matter what the problem, and the consumer will not know if it could have been done for less.

I took my Nissan Sentra to several transmission or auto repair businesses for estimates on what appeared to be routine maintenance. I received a wide range of estimates. Most were in the $800 range. I didn't trust the quality of work at the low range, but was concerned that the high range was more than necessary. Of course, no one including myself knew if there was a serious problem with the transmission.

I received the best estimate at AAL-Matic. The service technician said he had no idea what the problem was or how much it would cost to fix it. All he could do was take it apart and call me. He guessed that the repairs would most likely cost at least $600, but could cost much more. There was also a $275 charge for inspection which would be applied to the job if it were completed at the shop.

I knew at this point that I was in a special shop. This was the most straightforward and honest approach to the problem. In my case they fixed the transmission and charged me the $600, significantly less than others estimated for the work. And after talking with other customers, I concluded that I found an honest, competent business that I heartily recommend to others.

As mentioned there is a charge for inspection. In most cases it is $275. The inspection charge will be applied toward the repair if the work is done at AAL-Matic. It is a huge chunk if you decide not to commission the work, but it really is the only fair way to run the business.

AAL-Matic
11611 Lee Highway.
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 273-8192

Here is a letter from a satisfied customer, and sums up the way I feel:

Better Business Bureau
of Metropolitan Washington, DC
1012 14th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20005

Dear Sir:

The purpose of this letter is to commend to you the superb service I have received from a local transmission business. I have been doing business with Hank Stocks, owner of AAL-Matic Transmission Service, Inc., 11611 Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia for approximately 15 years. I recently had to have my transmission rebuilt after 283,000 miles and Hank performed this service for me in a most professional manner at a very competitive price.

I would also like to add that over these past years, I have always found Hank more than willing to stand behind his work and on several occasions, beyond the agreed to guarantee period. Hank is very reasonable to do business with; he and his staff are extremely experienced and competent in rebuilding transmissions; and he stands behind his work. This combination naturally makes for an outstanding local business which has my highest recommendation for all transmission work.

Sincerely,

Frederick H. Beaudry