West Escondido Automotive & Transmission Service

05/26/11

Never again!

by frodo6 at Citysearch

We took our 1999 Honda Odyssey van to West Escondido to have the transmission checked. That yr/model van is known to have serious transmission problems. We were told it could cost as much as $3,500.00, which as we kept getting further along in the "diagnosis", the price kept going up. Sure enough, the cost was the max quoted. We paid it, and had a 2 yr. warranty for rebuilt transmission. Exactly 3 yr. later the transmissions seals are bad. The car never ran properly since it was "rebuilt" and when we called, they said they had to look at it again to give us a quote on repairs. All other mechanics we contacted gave us a quote on exactly how much it would cost for the type of repairs. These guys just want you back in the door, charge the max, and could care less whether you did business with them prior. We would never refer them to anyone, unless it was to an enemy! NOT IMPRESSED with their work, their prices, and customer service for return clients..... BOOO - they stink!

03/02/11

Not Impressed!

by LikeItIsEscondido at Citysearch

First of all my first impressions were positive, clean office and staff was professional in appearance and customer service.

The real issue is that I took my car there for a very specific issue, was charged $91.00. They called an told me that the problem was minor and was remedied without any additional cost. I seriously left their parking lot and was able to reproduce the problem; not intending to of course. So I call them back and told them the problem was not fixed. I dropped it off that day and was called later saying that I needed a new powersteering unit- for $844.00 dollars. The when I picked up the car the battery was dead. Brian, the owner came out and jumped it. They also said the technician who worked on the car must have left the battery engaged and that I should call if I still needed a jump the next day. I called today to let them know that the battery is indeed dead. They were willing to sell me one at my expense. How nice of them, how about at least offering to split the cost???

Here is my issue. First, did they do any quality control on the work when the car was supposed to be fixed the first time? And should I expect to pay for a battery that was in good working order when I dropped it off.

Feels like they are getting by with a professional demeanor while doing back yard mechanic work. So this trip cost me well over $1000.00 dollars. Did I even need the powersteering replaced?

Not Impressed!

08/25/10

ILLEGAL FAILED SMOGS DONE HERE

by melissaLLL at Citysearch

ILLEGAL FAILED SMOGS done here!!!!! THIS SHOP DID AN ILLEGAL FAILED SMOG ON MY CAR. I get a call this morning from the HONEST mechanic THAT I was referred too, THANK GOD, and they tell me this -My car is Missing the lower timing cover on the timing belt. It's been missing A LONG TIME they could tell because of the oil build-up. They cant check the timing TO EVEN ******DO****** THE SMOG, because the timing reference marks are on that part. So this means Brian did a totally illegal smog. This is not over.

04/05/09

Great Service

by herkxena at Citysearch

I took my 2005 Hyundai Elantra in yesterday for its 30,000 mile service. Their price was $50-$150 less than the dealer quotes in the San Diego County area. The best thing I liked was that they called me when the found a problem with my brakes to obtain my permission to proceed with the work. They did the work using factory oem parts which is very important if you want your Hyundai warranty to be honored. They also have a shuttle service so I wasn't stuck there while waiting for the car to be worked on. I would thoroughly recommend West Escondido Automotive and Transmission to anyone seeking an honest and above-board service and repair facility. I will be taking my car to them for all future maintenance work.

• Pros: Good Communication
• Cons: May be a bit pricey

03/11/09

Buyer Beware - Check with the State of California

by tinafici at Citysearch

This repair company has 3 complaints filed against them with the State of Ca - Bureau of Automotive Repair. My friend required a Gold Shield Smog station. West Auto filed his CAP Application without his approval which causes him to loose the assistance unless West Auto does the work. West coast refusses to use state approved parts and gives customers little choices. The law states that a Written Estimate is required prior to work being done and the company clearly violates this! I wish I would have read the reviews before going to this company.

• Cons: Dishonest