West Escondido Automotive & Transmission

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While our car was in for other work, we asked for a price to replace the gear shift unit. Mechanically, it was fine, but the grip & rubber dust cover had deteriorated from the sun. We just asked for a price -- there was no need to disassemble the unit.

When I picked up the car, the keys were in the ignition and the car was already running. I drove it home but was unable to put in in park or remove the key. I returned to the shop thinking it would be a quick adjustment and I'd be on my way. But no.....

When I got there, the manager wanted to know where my husband was. Excuse me? Why? Okay...I didn't ask that question. When I explained what the issue was, he told me my husband had gotten in the car and when he drove away, it was fine. I explained he didn't drive the car, I did (we rode together for the pickup).

I asked him look at the car. He argued that we had taken it in broken and claimed I was trying to get a free repair. No! I explained it had a cosmetic issue only and was mechanically fine. He sat in the car, couldn't pull the key out, and told me if I wanted it fixed, I would have to pay him. I told him I just wanted the car in the working condition it was in when we took it to the shop.

He pointed to a piece of trim and told me because it was loose, he knew I had been "fiddling with it." I told him I hadn't. HE CALLED ME A LIAR, took the little piece and angrily THREW it in the cupholder. I was left shaking and in tears.

The shop claimed they hadn't taken apart the unit and said they could prove it because it wasn't on the work ticket. Here's the deal...my husband swung by mid week to get something out of the car, and he saw it dismantled. So, who's the real liar here?

West refused to help, and we had to address the issue ourselves. As suspected, the unit was reassembled wrong & the rubber dust cover was preventing the shifter from going into park. They knowingly let me drive away in a car that wouldn't go into park because of their own negligence.

Brian and his entire staff gets five shiny stars in my book. Their professionalism and upbeat attitude radiates to all who walk in their shop. The service consultants, mechanics and courtesy drivers are all in the same page. They make every client feel important and puts a smile in their faces at the end of the day. When you run over a bump, Brian and his team will smooth things out for you that is fair for all. Take your vehicle to West Escondido Auto and feel the experience. They will take good care of you.

Although the quality of the work was good, the price was extraordinarily high. I found another place that did the same work for hundreds less. Look around before choosing this company. Its your money.

We were vacationing in San Diego we ran into some car trouble. The service advisor was very polite and explained what the technician had found in a matter that was not over our heads. They had to replace the fuel pump and filter, when I called the dealer to get the same services quoted they were double what I was quoted at West Escondido Automotive. Our car was finished in a timely manner and the people there are great. They offered their shuttle service to us so we didn't have to wait in the customer lounge while they fixed our car. They mechanic even came out and explained to us what he had to do to get the job done. What a nice facility, easy freeway access and the staff there is great! Thanks to them we were able to continue our vacation and had no problems!

My 2000 Chrysler 300M failed the Smog Check February 9, 2010. A Dashboard sensor light triggered the failure. The first estimate to repair was over $900. A NO-GO number for me.



I found West Escondido Auto through the California DMV and CAP websites. They informed me I could apply for CAP in person at the regional office. Otherwise, via mail it was 2-week turnaround (or more). On Monday, 3/1/10 I got my CAP papers (in less than an hour - surprisingly good service in San Diego CAP office).



I brought my Car in Wednesday 3/3/10 - understanding it could be 3 or even 5 days to get it back (They'll dirve you home, btw).



And at 5:30pm THAT DAY I got the call informing me the car was ready!!!!! I picked it up on Thursday morning 3/4/10.

My total cost? $28.25. Total Repair bill? $482.00.



Efficient. Courteous and friendly. Came through under budget and earlier than estimated.



Thanks Guys!



Dennis Fieldman