Comments on: Is AAA Worth It?

By: Charles - aka -OLDCHAZ

Charles - aka -OLDCHAZ — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:41:45 +0000

Subject: FYI: SCAM/FRAUD AAA ARIZONA

Arizona Automobile Association–Ford Motor Co.
1994 Mercury was towed to AAA Auto Repair, Peoria Arizona. on !2-22-06 and was there
until I took it out on 1-2-07. Lorenzo Foster (Service Advisor) is the only contact I had
during this time. We met in parking area on 12-22-06 had telephone conversations and
met again when I picked up car on 1-2-07. The car was never seen by Randy Nowell
(Business. Manager.). The only contact I had with Gary Bons (Ser. Mgr.) was on 1-3-07 with Lorenzo Foster
and I questioned the need for radiator replacement. The conversation lasted less then
three minutes The only decision made was I would receive refund of $201.98 overcharge
on a gallon of coolant. I would have to wait 7-10 days for refund. On 1-8-07 I filed this complaint with Arizona Automobile Association.

COMPLAINT:
In my Inquiry # 18597 to AAA Arizona I said that parts were put on car that was not needed (Radiator).
I was charged for a service that was not performed (Replace Manifold Gaskets).
I can show why I believe that Radiator did not burst.
I can prove gaskets were not installed as engine components were not removed in order to get intake manifold out ..
I would like an honest, competent technician to inspect my engine compartment and I will demonstrate and prove my points. I would like monies refunded to me for these overcharged services.
All I ever wanted from this Auto Repair was honest value and service.
The car is on my carport to be viewed by any AAA Corporate Staff Rep at any time. I am available for any additional information you may want. I would like to expedite this matter as soon as possible so I can get needed services on power steering and engine ignition system.

This complaint was answered on 1-19-07 (10days) later after a brief phone call from Randy Nowell on 1-18-07, At that time I told him the MANIFOLD was never removed from car to install gaskets. ON 1-18-07 I TOOK OVER 40 PICTURES OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO PROVE TO ALL PARTIES
THAT THE SERVICES WERE NOT PERFORMED. I STILL HAVE THIS EVIDENCE.

This is Randy’s answer to my complaint–sent by E-mail on 1-19-07

ANSWER:

Dear Mr. McClung,
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me yesterday. I have interviewed the technician who worked on your car and also the service manager at our Peoria shop and I have reviewed the associated documentation. I am confident that the work that you paid for was both needed, and performed correctly. I want to invite you to bring the car back to our Peoria facility so that the mechanic, Joe, and service manager, Gary, can review with you what was done and explain in detail the procedures used to complete the work. Joe, the mechanic who worked on your car is a very honest, competent, and skilled technician and I’m confident that you will agree with that assessment after meeting him and talking with him about the repairs.
I am concerned that you still have an oil leak, and that you mentioned some other problems with the car and I would like to offer a free inspection and diagnosis of any additional concerns you have as a goodwill gesture. We would like you to be present while we inspect the car for any remaining leaks – that way the technician can also explain and show you what the problems are. You can call me at 602-650-2778, or Gary at 602-308-3017 to make an appointment

On 1-19-07 I filed a complaint with Better Business Bureau asking for help in this matter.

COMPLAINT:

AAA AUTO REPAIR
7422 W THUNDERBIRD PEORIA AZ
PEORIA AZ 85381

Complaint Description:
Problem date 1-2-07, on this date I paid for repairs on my daughters car. After looking over invoice #0000751 I discovered an overcharge of $201.98. I returned on 1-3-07 to repair shop and demanded a refund of this overcharge.( I have documents detailing what transpired in my dealings with this Repair Shop from 12-22-06 to 1-3-07.) I will make these papers/documents available to any and all interested persons. As an AAA member filing a complaint against their employees, how can they honestly represent me? I believe this is a conflict of interests. I would like BBB to act as arbiter in this dispute. I would like to add other material, witnesses and documents as they become available. I will make car available to any and all interested parties and demonstrate my position on this matter.

Your Desired Resolution:
An honest and fair settlement as agreed to by parties after arbitration hearing.

Not getting any help from BBB, I filed a complaint with Arizona Attorney Office asking for their help in this matter.

, 26Circumstances: Brief History: I have a complaint in writing with AAA Auto Repair that started on 1·3-07. Have met and discussed it with Gary, (Ser. Mgr.) and Lorenzo Foster (Service Advisor) Have letter from Randy Nowell, (Bus. Mgr.) who ignored my request. Filed complaint with BBB on 1-19-07. As of this date 1-29-07 there seems to be no response from this Auto Repair. My complaint is that a part (Radiator) was installed that was not needed. I was charged for a service that was not performed. (Install intake manifold gaskets) I can prove this service was never done. I am preparing documents and other evidence to present my case at BBB. (I will send these documents to you in a few days as I feel Auto repair will not appear for a hearing). I am 78 years old. I am credible and knowledgeable in the service, repair and manufacturing of automobiles. This complaint is serious as this is fraud on the part of the Auto Repair. You may reach me at XXXXXXXXX any time if you want more information. Thanks for any help you can give.

After a letter from Arizona Attorney General stating they could not help, however I could pursue this matter in the Small Claims Court.
I filed this matter on 5-1-07 with Manistee Justice Court Surprise Arizona.

Manistee Justice Court

Case # CC 2007081822SC

Arizona Automobile Association (Defendant)

AAA Auto Repair 7422 W Thunderbird Peoria Az.

May 1 2007 Complaint I am suing the AAA Auto Repair for their failure to properly service the 1994 Mercury and return it to me in the condition that met all the terms and conditions of the service agreement (Invoice # 0000751)

BACKGROUND:

I have a complaint in writing with AAA Auto Repair that started on 1-3-07.

Have met and discussed it with Gary, (Ser. Mgr.) and Lorenzo Foster (Ser. Advisor).

Have letter from Randy Nowell, (Bus. Mgr.) who ignored my request.

My complaint is that a part (Radiator) was installed that was not needed. I was charged for a service that was not performed. (Install intake manifold gaskets) I can prove this service was never done.

Any owner of a Ford product can fall victim to this scam that I encountered at AAA Auto Repair, Peoria, AZ. We are led to believe, (owners of Ford products with the V-8 281 4.6 L Engine) that the intake manifold must be removed to install heater pipe on this engine. The manifold is NOT removed as WAS this case on my daughter’s car, a 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis. They disguise this by showing on invoice as “Replace intake manifold gaskets”.

Heater pipe is listed under parts. Invoice shows no labor charge to install. This pipe not visible to owners, so they do not know if it needs replaced. This scam is probably being used in service departments and repair shops all over the country. The removed pipe was replaced September 2005 at Thunderbird Automotive in Phoenix, AZ.

Gary Bons, Lorenzo Foster, Joe W. did conspire and used fraudulent and deceptive methods to make repairs on the 1994 Mercury as I have stated above.

CONCLUSION:

I am asking this court to hold the AAA Auto Repair liable for willful failure to perform in an honest manner and charging me for services and parts not needed and enter a judgment against them.

Therefore, I am asking for a judgment against AAA Auto Repair for the sum of 950.85 as well as the document preparation costs to file this complaint, as well as the court costs and fees, necessary to bring this matter before the court.

A fair settlement from AAA Auto Repair. I would agree to receive all labor charges and price of the intake manifold gaskets not used. AAA Auto Repair would keep profit made on parts.

Being under oath, I affirm I am one of the parties in this action. I have read the attached pleading and find that the statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Dated this 30th day of April 2007.

By: _Charles H McClung___________________________

On 6-28-07 a hearing was held, this is the results of that hearing. Dismissed with Prejudice.

Defendants perjured themselves in Small Claims Court. .Case was to be heard by JP. Volunteer Hearing Officer was substituted at hearing. I prepared a written statement to present to Court. I read a paragraph and was stopped ,court would not accept my written statement when offered again at end of hearing.
.Volunteer Hearing Officer dismissed case with prejudice. NO judgment awarded to either party. No appeal allowed in this Court. This case involves FRAUD. I presented many documents to Court prior to court date to prove my case. I feel my case was mishandled by the Court and I did not get due process. Court lasted about 20 minutes…This is not a frivolous matter.

Either a Justice of the Peace or an appointed Volunteer Hearing Officer may hear your case. Any party may object to the use of a hearing officer prior to the hearing date. The court can provide you with a form to make this objection. The case will then be referred to and heard by the Justice of the Peace. ARS 22-506

Letter from Court stated my case to be heard by JP. I had no way of knowing
who was on bench. This was my first time in a courtroom.
My case was # 2 on docket, When I was notified and went in Courtroom he was still working on #1 case.
I did not know who was on bench until I received a copy of JUDGMENT.
I have since found as to why I received no help from BBB.

Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 21:01:13 -0700

Principal: Randy Nowell
Customer Contact: Randy Nowell – (602) 650-2778
File Open Date: January 2007
TOB Classification: Auto Repair & Service
BBB Accreditation: This organization is not a BBB Accredited business.

The BBB has requested basic information from this company but has not received a response. As a result, the BBB may not have current information about the company

In Randy’s sworn statement to the COURT he states( Joe Wiley did in FACT remove and replace intake manifold). HOW CAN HE MAKE THIS STATEMENT WHEN NOT EVER SEEING THE CAR??
He further states that RADIATOR was replaced as it was cracked. Again he never looked in ENGINE
COMPARTMENT. (PERJURY?)
Gary Bons tells COURT that I took car to another place before bringing it to AAA AUTO REPAIR. (LIE)
I never approved any of the repairs. Lorenzo Foster, only person I was in contact with at AAA REPAIR SHOP was not present at hearing.

SUMMARY:

SCAM/FRAUD
Ford Motor Company is allowing the use of fraudulent and deceptive
methods for making repairs on heater pipe/tube found on
cars with the V-8 281 4.6L engines since 1992. Labor
charges are based on the removal of INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Pipe/tube is then installed by using method that takes
less time.
This scam is being used in service departments and
repair shops all over the country. I have documents from Ford Techs. from around the country stating that this is the method for R&R of the HEATER PIPE on V8-281 4.6L engine on 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis. ( INTAKE MANIFOLD MUST BE REMOVED)

AAA Auto Repair, Peoria, Arizona ( owned and operated by Arizona Automobile Association) replaced this pipe on the 1994 Mercury using the method that Ford Motor Company FAILED to put in Shop Repair Manuel in 1992. AAA Auto Repair (Randy Nowell) insists they used Ford method to perform this repair operation. I have PICTURES of the ENGINE COMPARTMENT and can prove the INTAKE MANIFOLD was never removed. The pipe was replaced in August 2005 by Thunderbird Automotive
Phoenix, Arizona. AAA Auto Repair performed this repair to “PAD THE BILL”.

It is time that Ford Motor Company addresses this matter and puts a stop to this fraudulent and
deceptive method used in Ford Service Departments. Only then will it end in all other Automobile Repair
Shops.

Arizona Automobile Association (CEO/PRESIDENT) D James McDowell needs to investigate this matter on how AAA Members are treated, take corrective action and compensate me for the ORDEAL that I have been put thru.

Update #264173 8-16-2008
Having filed a complaint on 1-8-07 to expose dishonest employees it seems AAA Arizona
Inc. is not willing to admit to any wrong doing. They keep trying to cover this dispute with
a variety of tricks. This was my request to them on 1-8-07 when this dispute started.
I would like an honest, competent technician to inspect my engine compartment and I will demonstrate and prove my points. I would like monies refunded to me for these overcharged services.
The car is on my carport to be viewed by any AAA Corporate Staff Rep at any time. I am available for any additional information you may want. I would like to expedite this matter as soon as possible so I can get needed services on power steering and engine ignition system.

Sincerely,
Charles H McClung
Member # 343092000 2

This matter was handled by Randy Nowell who made no effort other than use delaying tactics as I sought
to get help from independent third parties. This is not a frivolous matter.

Phoenix, Ariz. March 17, 2008 – Today, chief executive officer (CEO) Jim McDowell of AAA Arizona, the state’s largest membership organization and advocate for motorists and travelers, announced that the board of directors has appointed Michael Tully the new president of the auto club.

May 2008- Randy Nowell is no longer with AAA Arizona as Business Manager.

June 16 2008

Mr. Charles H. McClung
5950 E Missouri Avenue
Lot 31
Glendale, AZ 85301

Dear Mr. McClungWe have received notice from AAA National office that you have forwarded your
complaint to them. This is to inform you we have closed this complaint after
receiving a favorable ruling in the courts regarding this matter. We have notified the
AAA National office that this case is closed.
Thank you,

Donald J. Nunnari
Vice President Membership Products and Service

CC: AAA National Office
The above letter copied and retyped from original to fit this format. (signed copy on file)

“favorable ruling in the courts” Randy Nowell did not file a counterclaim with the Court.
I filed application for DEFAULT as required to keep this matter in the court.
The document I received (JUDGMENT) plainly marked—Plaintiff awarded nothing—
Defendant awarded nothing….
Court record ( PUBLIC INFORMATION) I will share with AAA National and any other Interested parties It now seems that this matter will be handled by President Mike Tully and CEO Jim McDowell at the Corporate level….

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:56:57 +0000

My membership expired earlier this year and I didn’t know it. Well,a few days after that my daughter needed assistance and they would not help her. You’d think after being a member for 15 or 20 years they would have taken care of my family and worried about renewing me later…but no.
You suck AAA.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Tue, 26 May 2009 06:30:25 +0000

Yes, as a another commenter stated – all they want to do is up-sell you for insurance and other items you already have.

If they would stop being a travel agent then the price may be worth – providing they would actually consider going back to be a roadside emergency service!

By: Joseph

Joseph — Tue, 26 May 2009 06:26:40 +0000

Don’t bother – I have been AAA FREE for 15 years – I banked the money I previously paid this organization and now have over $1,000.00 in case of emergencys.

By: Curt

Curt — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:48:49 +0000

My Auto Ins C., Amica, gives me Roadside Service at $13. per vehicle. and the distance of a FREE towing is gearter by Amica.

By: John Thornton

John Thornton — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:30:36 +0000

I had my GTI melt through a fuel line on a trip from San Francisco to Portland Oregon, in the booming large town of Eugene, Oregon. There was one shop that could do the work, told me it would be 3 or 4 days to get the fuel line in and I wasn’t terribly confident in the shop. AAA saved me since it was 100 miles home to Portland from there, and my normal shop for my GTI.
That tow would have cost hundreds of dollars, it was covered.
Got her home, fixed the next day and the biggest thing is that I didn’t miss any days of work.
It is well worth it just to know that you won’t be stranded in some small town for days on end. I have been a member for years, and used them for other small things, it’s a great service.

By: Gato Viejo

Gato Viejo — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:55:31 +0000

I enrolled last year because my daughters’ college is 3 hours away in Indiana. I got a discount during that enrollment of I think something like $15.00. I tried to use AAA for a weekend in Chicago and the AAA hotels were dumps. I called once to ask for maps. I never received anything. All I received from triple AAA was offers for life insurance, car insurance, or vacations. I never received any maps of any way, shape or form. I do want to be able to have a reputable company help my daughters if they are in trouble, but I am not even sure I can trust AAA now since what I was asking for before was really simple stuff.

By: robert c

robert c — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:38:35 +0000

You may get a small benefit from using AAA travel services, but don’t get rear ended by a AAA insured motorist. With absolutely no fault they will run you around in circles despite the fact that their insured was on a cell phone and hit a stopped car in stop and go traffic. Decidedly negligent. Some substantial damages and minor injuries involved but they will delay, obfuscate and refuse to compensate you for many things including diminution of value on your vehicle.
They minimize pain and suffering, only will settle for two times “their” estimated damage claim and pretty much run you around in circles till your exhausted and think about giving up. They put on a smiley face like most insurance companies until they have to pay out, then watch the smiles turn to stiff middle fingers. As far as evaluating hotels & restuarants, that’s a racket these days also. You are better off using a Zagat. All in all only reason to use them is if you travel loads or have an old vehicle, but price their competitors. But Their Insurance division is hopeless.

By: Steve V.

Steve V. — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:09:53 +0000

I consider AAA as insurance. Very economical insurance. We’ve been AAA (PLUS) members for decades, regardless of whether our cars were new or used. Occasional use of it’s towing/starting benefits have more than paid for our annual membership fees. However, if it were not for the AAA “PLUS” option I don’t think I would be a member. PLUS is what makes AAA coverage really valuable … up to 100 miles of free towing, for one thing. A story …

My wife and I were taking out daughter and granddaughter to an airport about 175 miles from our home. Our transmission gave out on an Oklahoma tollway about 100 miles from home and 75 miles from the Tulsa airport. Because we carried AAA’s PLUS membership, they sent two vehicles (a tow truck and a van), towed our car back to our hometown garage, and with the van took us on into Tulsa, and right to the airport where we saw our kids safely off. Our only expense throughout the ordeal was for a rental car to get back home.

I am a firm believer in AAA PLUS. And so are those whom we’ve stopped to help along side the road from time to time. (Yes, you can use your benefits to help others as long as you stay on the scene until the help arrives.Then just sign and go.) There are plenty of roadside service plans to choose from, but for us AAA has proved itself to be the superior one–over many years–over and over again.

By: iRandal

iRandal — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:39:39 +0000

peace of mind is priceless.

broke down in summerville this monday night; i live in providence, ri;

towing fee would have been astomonical

55 miles back home= FREE

yeah i’m happy with AAA

By: Foster

Foster — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:28:37 +0000

I’ve had AAA for years. With two kids in college over 4 hours away I can’t tell you how many times my answer to car troubles for them was, call AAA. And they always showed up, when they said they would and either fixed the problem or towed the car. I even used it while visiting my brother in Colorado when his car broke down on Thanksgiving Day 4 years ago. We were in the middle of nowhere and while it took a while AAA was there and got us back to civilization. An excellent service and the fees are worth the piece of mind. I have also used the discounts, an additional 8% off a new Plasma TV from Circuit City payed for part of this years membership with the money we saved.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:15:00 +0000

AAA Sucks

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:39:22 +0000

I’ve been a member of AAA for 34 years and never had any kind of disappointment. If you actually read your membership benefits …it covers many different aspects of auto assistance, travel assistance and other entities to numberous to mention. I pay $127.00 for AAA PLus which comes out to approximately .35 Cents a day…very very reasonable…..

By: Scott and Barb

Scott and Barb — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:44:05 +0000

We are going to Orlando this summer, my wife has to work, but the two kids and I don’t, so we are going to have some fun. We have AAA because we get a discount on home and auto insurance policies if we carry AAA. In the past two years every hotel we booked was cheaper on the internet or calling the hotel directly – anywhere from $10 to $20 per night. I went in to the AAA office today hoping to get some airline flights cheaper and Disney World tickets. They showed me the exact same flights (from the same two carries)that I looked at and AAA was higher – I am including the fees as well, Apples to Apples. The Disney World Tickets were a bit of a sticker shock for 4 and 5 days. When I got home the tickets were cheaper by 50 dollars each directly from Disney. I am failing to see how AAA is a good deal. The discount on my insurance is about a wash for what I pay for AAA, I haven’t had to use the towing so maybe that is worth it? I am thinking a good GPS for $250, could easily cover the cost for maps for 3 years. Color me not impressed.

By: Glenda C.

Glenda C. — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:57:12 +0000

Just got back from my trip to California, and was glad I called my now favorite roadside program to get updated maps before I left. Never would have known there was so much construction going on all over the country. I appreciated the hotel discounts too. I was under the mis-impression that only AA offered extras like that. Thanks All America for making my trip the best it could be. No, I’m not an employee, just a grateful customer.