Complaint Review: America's Service Station - Sugar Land Texas

I actually worked for America's Service Station briefly in 2003 and it is indeed true that they train their employees to sell unneeded parts and labor. I was trained to believe that I had to do anything possible to "get the sale". Not only did it affect my commission (which this was a low-paying job to begin with), but I was also told that it affected how much money the mechanic made. If they weren't making these unneeded repairs, then they weren't making the money they so desperately "needed" (seeing as they made upwards of $36/hour, compared to my $7/hour, I wasn't so concerned about how much money they needed). It was explained to me by the company president (who had a hand in training me) that this was the reason that he strategically located these businesses in the affluent suburban areas of Atlanta and Austin. He said the businesses are located in areas where people have money, and therefore don't mind paying more for vehicle repairs and maintenance. "Why do you think you don't see any locations in [less wealthy] Downtown?" he said. They also have a mechanic whose job it is strictly to do oil changes/tire rotations (this was the most requested service). While completing this service, he is also supposed to "find" any "repairs" (in most cases, unneeded ones). Also, when a customer would bring a vehicle to buy tires, I was sent to Goodyear, Firestone, or some other tire retailer to buy the tires at RETAIL PRICE. Then I would bring back the tires to America's Service Station and the customer was charged to not only put them on, but also charged more for the tires than they would have paid at the tire retailer where I bought them. So yes, this place may give you a ride to wherever you need to be while your vehicle is being serviced (so long as it is close by), but is this negligible-value-adding service really worth the extra money spent in the unneeded parts and labor that this company trains its employees to con upon it customers?

You stated in your consumer comments that "people are not smart enough to verify the work occurring on their cars." If people are really that stupid, then we can safely assume that most of the people who've been ripped off by America's Service Station are not smart enough to realize it, and the complaints listed here represent only a tiny percentage of customers who've been cheated by this company. The bottom line remains the same: Don't patronize these crooks!

You stated in your consumer comments that "people are not smart enough to verify the work occurring on their cars." If people are really that stupid, then we can safely assume that most of the people who've been ripped off by America's Service Station are not smart enough to realize it, and the complaints listed here represent only a tiny percentage of customers who've been cheated by this company. The bottom line remains the same: Don't patronize these crooks!

You stated in your consumer comments that "people are not smart enough to verify the work occurring on their cars." If people are really that stupid, then we can safely assume that most of the people who've been ripped off by America's Service Station are not smart enough to realize it, and the complaints listed here represent only a tiny percentage of customers who've been cheated by this company. The bottom line remains the same: Don't patronize these crooks!

You stated in your consumer comments that "people are not smart enough to verify the work occurring on their cars." If people are really that stupid, then we can safely assume that most of the people who've been ripped off by America's Service Station are not smart enough to realize it, and the complaints listed here represent only a tiny percentage of customers who've been cheated by this company. The bottom line remains the same: Don't patronize these crooks!

Took my car in to the Alpharetta, GA, location to "completely exchange transmission fluid" and "replace axle seals, if needed". When I picked up the car that evening I was informed by the mechanic that the axle was "moving too much to stop the leak even with new seals". I would probably need a new axle. The car was leaking transmission fluid profusely. I took it to another mechanic who informed me that the axle was fine. He also said that whoever installed the axle seals had ripped them. He installed a new pair of seals at less than half the price! I called a*s and Mr. Snodgrass informed me that I had "ripped the seals by driving my car home" (i.e., the axle moved and ripped the seals). Funny, the mechanic never told me I would rip the seals by driving the car home. Anyway, I have driven my car now for two weeks without ripping my new seals. I still have my original axle. There is nothing wrong with my axle. Several mechanics have told me that it is impossible to for the axle to rip or tear the seals in the manner in which they were torn. Yes, I have the seals that a*s installed. Bottom line: They run a dishonest business. What goes around, comes around.

Took my car in to the Alpharetta, GA, location to "completely exchange transmission fluid" and "replace axle seals, if needed". When I picked up the car that evening I was informed by the mechanic that the axle was "moving too much to stop the leak even with new seals". I would probably need a new axle. The car was leaking transmission fluid profusely. I took it to another mechanic who informed me that the axle was fine. He also said that whoever installed the axle seals had ripped them. He installed a new pair of seals at less than half the price! I called a*s and Mr. Snodgrass informed me that I had "ripped the seals by driving my car home" (i.e., the axle moved and ripped the seals). Funny, the mechanic never told me I would rip the seals by driving the car home. Anyway, I have driven my car now for two weeks without ripping my new seals. I still have my original axle. There is nothing wrong with my axle. Several mechanics have told me that it is impossible to for the axle to rip or tear the seals in the manner in which they were torn. Yes, I have the seals that a*s installed. Bottom line: They run a dishonest business. What goes around, comes around.

Took my car in to the Alpharetta, GA, location to "completely exchange transmission fluid" and "replace axle seals, if needed". When I picked up the car that evening I was informed by the mechanic that the axle was "moving too much to stop the leak even with new seals". I would probably need a new axle. The car was leaking transmission fluid profusely. I took it to another mechanic who informed me that the axle was fine. He also said that whoever installed the axle seals had ripped them. He installed a new pair of seals at less than half the price! I called a*s and Mr. Snodgrass informed me that I had "ripped the seals by driving my car home" (i.e., the axle moved and ripped the seals). Funny, the mechanic never told me I would rip the seals by driving the car home. Anyway, I have driven my car now for two weeks without ripping my new seals. I still have my original axle. There is nothing wrong with my axle. Several mechanics have told me that it is impossible to for the axle to rip or tear the seals in the manner in which they were torn. Yes, I have the seals that a*s installed. Bottom line: They run a dishonest business. What goes around, comes around.

Took my car in to the Alpharetta, GA, location to "completely exchange transmission fluid" and "replace axle seals, if needed". When I picked up the car that evening I was informed by the mechanic that the axle was "moving too much to stop the leak even with new seals". I would probably need a new axle. The car was leaking transmission fluid profusely. I took it to another mechanic who informed me that the axle was fine. He also said that whoever installed the axle seals had ripped them. He installed a new pair of seals at less than half the price! I called a*s and Mr. Snodgrass informed me that I had "ripped the seals by driving my car home" (i.e., the axle moved and ripped the seals). Funny, the mechanic never told me I would rip the seals by driving the car home. Anyway, I have driven my car now for two weeks without ripping my new seals. I still have my original axle. There is nothing wrong with my axle. Several mechanics have told me that it is impossible to for the axle to rip or tear the seals in the manner in which they were torn. Yes, I have the seals that a*s installed. Bottom line: They run a dishonest business. What goes around, comes around.

I have read the rip off comments above and find them to be from people who appear are not smart enough to verify the work occuring on their cars. I don't believe you can point a finger at America's Service Station for the trouble.

It is true that someone employed at the particular station may be ripping off costumers but in reality you will find that in any car repair garage. It is your responsiblity to report such things to the corporate office and let them investigate the probelms. If it continues go somewhere else.

I personnally have had no problems with the Station near my house. I find the service managers to be friendly and accommodating to any problem that arises. They indicate what the problem is, show it to me and don't do the work until I understand and agree to what needs to be fixed. When problems have arised from their work they have fixed the problem at no additional cost to me. It is in every consumers interest to understand what is being done and what the charges are.

Don't give a mechanic room to do something without your permission. Any one who allows it to happen is a fool and can only blame themselves. My advise, be smart and don't let an individual trying to make a quick buck to take advantage of you.

The following is a Consumer Advocate Suggestion to the above Rip-Off Report:

Their email: [email protected]
Their name: Robert Sokol

Rebuttal:
Repairing a vehicle, whether preventitive maintenance or doing a needed repair had turned into a traumatic ordeal for many. Here are a few rules to follow to make sure you get value for your money.

1) Check with the BBB and this board (Rip Off Report) to see if your garage has any bad reports.

2) Make sure that the technician repairing your vehicle is ASE certified, especially in the area in which he is working on your car. There are 8 ASE catagories. Even better would be if the technician is a Master ASE technician.

3) Save the old parts! This informs the shop that you are a savy customer and that they cannot try and 'put one over' on you. If there is a question about a part, you can always get a second opinion. Otherwise, they put the old parts in the dumpster.

4) Get a written estimate prior to having repairs done. Even better would be if you give the shop a bit of latitude. Tell them that you are OK up to $100 or some other amount you feel comfortable with. Trust works both ways.

5) If you have a dispute or question, speak with your service advisor, and if you can't resolve it, then ask to speak to the service manager or shop foreman. Don't leave mad, leave mutually satisfied. If necessary, speak with the owner. Once you have eliminated all your possibilities at this garage, let them know in a letter that you are getting a second opinion at another garage.

6) Keep your receipts. A shoe box works great. Many parts now-a-days come with a lifetime warranty. An old receipt can save you hundreds of dollars.

I took this car, a 1995 Mercury Sable, for a 60,000 mile check in Aug. and paid about $400.00 for this. According to the printout that business gave me, all the checks were done, fluids replaced, belts replaced, etc. In Nov., 2000 miles later, America's Service Station had changed the oil 3 times, replced the transmission fluind for a second time, found a leaking radiator replaced it with a new one and replaced those fluids(again) ; the tie rods were replaced, the power steering pump was replaced. Why weren't these things found to be faulty at the 60,000mile check up just 2000 miles earlier???? According the the BBB, America's Service Station has an established pattern of not responding to complaints in a timely manner, and not resolving complaints to the customers satisfaction. The complaints primarily concern workmanship or materials. According to people filing complaints to the BBB and Rip Off Reports, America's Service Station has a pattern of talking people into repairs that are not necessary and passing you from person to person until you say yes to doing the job. Something needs to be done about this!