Tustin Transmission

THIS PLACE IS A JOKE. My husband made the mistake of taking my Volvo to Tustin Transmission. The mechanic charged us $ 500.00 plus to «fix» the transmission by changing the sensor. We drove it home (all of two miles) and the car shut down completely. We had to have it towed back to their shop. Still, we gave them the benefit of the doubt and paid another $ 400 plus for a second“fix.” This time the car started leaking transmission fluid and simply died before we even got it home. We towed it to Volvo who informed us it needed a new transmission (the transmission experts at Tustin Transmission told us emphatically that the transmission was not the problem and proceeded to change the battery and a host of other parts). We called the owner to complain, but he never bothered to call us back. So we had to deal with his incompetent mechanic who admitted he had replaced unnecessary parts. We told him to take his parts back and reimburse us. He gave us $ 370 out of our $ 1000 paid – having the audacity to charge us for labor to reverse the unnecessary work he did. So we ended up paying $ 600 plus for nothing. Each time the car came out of their shop it was worse than before. WHAT OTHER BUSINESS IS ABLE TO CHARGE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR ZERO SERVICE AND ZERO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION? DISGUSTING! IT’S MECHANICS LIKE THIS WHO GIVE ALL CAR REPAIR SHOPS A BAD NAME. I will never take another vehicle of mine to Tustin Transmission. Do not go to this place if you want an honest, competent, and knowledgeable mechanic. I wish I’d read all the negative Unilocal reviews before going to Tustin Transmission. Definitely not transmission or any other type of «experts.»

I love their customer service! I dropped my car off on Friday and pick it up on Saturday with a brand new transmission. These guys are the best. Highly recommended for all to use

Seemed ok for a smog check. Got a coupon online for $ 10 off a smog check, so I gave it a try. Total was $ 38, which is fine. Was quoted an hour, but it was done in about 30 minutes. The front desk guy set up the service with wasn’t overly-​friendly, but when my car was done I got another guy who was very friendly, so luck of the draw I guess. I don’t know about their transmission or other work, just had a smog check.

Paid these guys over $ 1300 for a valve job that never got done. They should of at least replaced the valve cover gasket to convince us. We took it back three times because it was still doing the same problem. Every trip back we were told «we can’t find anything wrong». My girl ended up getting another car she can’t afford but has to have cause of her young son. We basically got charged $ 1300 to get the valve cover painted. These guys use to be good ten years ago. Plain and simple… don’t go here if you don’t wanna get ripped off.

Do not take your car here! Went in for a simple procedure (transmission service). Was never called about the status. Called back twice the same day and told they were working on it. The next day I called twice again. Both times being told the guy working on it was «out» and would be back «soon». After getting the run around I went down there and it hadn’t even been started on. What a waste of time. Will never come back.

I had Tustin Trans rebuild the transmission on my Chevy truck. They gave me the best price (checked 4 other places). The work was done quickly, 3 days and on time. My truck runs smooth and shifts great. Thanks Kenyard and crew.
I wanted to add to my review. About 4 months after having my tranny rebuilt I was hearing a noise when my truck was in gear. They figured out it was a bad torque converter. They replaced it on time, 2 days, and under warranty, free! Thanks guys.

Do not let them near your vehicle. Needed a rebuilt transmission for a Toyota Corolla and was told it would take 4 days and cost $ 3500. I laughed, had it towed to my mechanic in Cerritos who had it back to me in less than 24 hours for a total cost of $ 1400 including labor.
Also, when I arrived with the tow truck my car was still raised up and when I asked if they could get it down I was told that it would be 45 minutes. This was at 4:30 PM. How are all the mechanics at lunch at the same time at 4:30?
Everything they do is shady.
Horrible Place.

avoid this place for smog check. They broke my car during the smog check and unable to complete the test. They blamed that car was broken before testing, which was NOT true.

We’ve used Tustin Transmission on two occasions and both times Kenyard worked with us to fix the problem in a way that minimized cost and resolved the problem as effectively as possible. There was never any pressure to «up sell» services or unexpected charges. He kept us informed during a difficult electrical problem and treated us fairly as the repair became more difficult. As someone who is always skeptical of repair shops, I can highly recommend Tustin Transmission as a place I’ve been impressed with.

Got my transmission serviced in my 97 Ram 1500 for $ 50 which is a good deal for a truck trans, as most places want up to $ 100 or more, they replaced the filter, removed the pan and replaced the pan gasket.
I had to go back soon after I left the shop, as they did not top off the trans with enough fluid, but they gladly took the time to do it. Thats why I only gave them 3 stars.
I always check my cars after they have been worked on, just for this reason. I would go back, as they did a pretty good job on my RAM, i’ts been about 8 months since I had it done and no issues at all.

Was turned away when I tried to get work done —
Guess I’ll take my car and money to another shop then…

Rip off. Stay away! I already had a new transmission in my
overdrive light was blinking. i knew it was a sensor (electrical) I told them this that I was aware of this problem, just not sure which one. I also told them I was referred by a mechanic, who said talk to Kenyard. Kenyard (bald headed guy) said it would be 3 hours before they could get to
I walked around to find a cup of coffee. I came back in 20 minutes and they had it on a lift. I knew the car needed something simple… Kenyard said the problem was internal, and would fix it for $ 2400. It was shift lever module $ 56. THEY did this to a man, who knew cars, ladies and gents be aware.

These guys go the extraordinary for you. I had a xmission overhaul 2 yrs ago, then came in with a possible related issue (TCS & engine light), on our ’02 Odyssey. Kennyard & his guys helped trouble-​shoot & repair an electrical issue at NO COST, and saved me hundreds $$ at the dealer.

Took my car to get oil change and transmission serviced decent prices and they didn’t try to sell me other services that I thought I needed they honestly told me I don’t need it.

The automatic transmission on my classic 60’s Ford needed a complete rebuild. They gave me a fair estimate compared to others I got. I had the car towed there and the work was done in the amount of time promised for the price quoted. It’s been a few months and the transmission is working perfect. They were friendly and helpful. I would definitely use them again.

I had a transmission that was shifting hard between 1^st and 2^nd and was told by others it could mean an expensive ($ 2,000) rebuild. I stopped by Tustin Transmission only to get an estimate and discussed my problems with Kennyard. He was able to work me in immediately for a quick diagnostic resulting in his using the diagnostic tool to locate my problem. He took care of it immediately and now the car drives like new. I will recommend all of my friends to this local shop that puts the customer first!!!

I’ve taken my car here twice to change the tranny fluid. Granted I don’t have a clue about the ins and outs of a car so I figured I’d just take the car here because I had a coupon from their website. The guys there are super nice and always chit chatting with the people waiting for their cars. Plus it’s the cheapest place I’ve found that will change the tranny fluid — -$ 65.00 with the coupon! Awesome. Even though I live in Long Beach I still drive down to Tustin to get the transmission fluid changed.

I am truly disappointed that I have to give a bad review to this place. I had a coupon for an oil change and brought my car in for an oil change and a tire rotation. The man that took my car in (tall, older man, grey hair) was nice, polite, and professional. Their service was prompt and at a good price and I picked up my car later that day.
Here’s the problem. A couple of days later my check engine light turned on. I have seen this before, where the person working on the car could’ve bumped a tube loose, and all it takes is someone to look over their work and find the jostled tube. When I called, I got the same man I had dealt with before, who said it was not a problem, these things happen, bring it in when you can!
Expecting prompt and genuine service, I brought my car in to another man (middle-​aged, bald, facial hair) and explained what happened and how I had called. He went out to my car with a vehicle diagnostic machine, came back and said «I don’t see any check engine light. Nothings wrong.»
I’m not an idiot. I know that you can turn off the check engine light with that machine. I took my car back hoping that the problem would work itself out or that he was right, but it went right back on later! My husband eventually figured out the problem (breather hose knocked out of place), but boy, I was pissed. This man lied to my face because he didn’t want to take the time to help. I’m sure he thought since I’m a cute little girl that I wouldn’t question his lie. Safe to say that his actions cause them to loose a customer.

This will be a two part review. The first part will contain my experience dropping off the vehicle, the last will detail my picking up and over all feelings.
— Dropping Off Review —
I just dropped my car off. It’s a bit tricky to get into Tustin Transmission, but there’s a secondary entrance on that little street that crosses Newport Ave just before the place. If you turn on that, you can go in the back way, but I went in the front way, which required a U-​turn and a near wreck. Super way to start my day.
When I walked in, there was a guy on the phone who didn’t greet me, ok fine, he’s on the phone, but he didn’t even smile or nod. «Fine, I won’t smile or nod back,» I thought. I just sat down and waited (really, what else was I to do?). Then another guy came in and helped me out. I told him what I needed, what I needed it for, and I got to ask some questions. After that, I signed a paper and left my car with them.
At this point in time, if my mom had a Unilocal page of her own I’d give her 1 star for her pickup service. She took a while getting there, likely got sidetracked in the grocery store, but then she wanted me to run into the middle of Newport traffic, bumper to bumper mind you, and get in the car before the light turned green… and she was in the middle lane! Yea, not safe. 1 star.
While I was waiting I was able to check in and take a picture for the location, so I suppose I made lemonade out of lemons, no?
I was later called with an estimate for the additional parts that I requested they change out, and labor of course, and yea it was pricey, but I don’t know enough about other locations to say it was «overpriced.»
Otherwise, they got back to me quick enough and hopefully I’ll have my car before 5. That’d be stellar.
— Pick Up Review (Done 7÷3÷2010)−−−
I got a phone call about 30 minutes before they closed telling me that my car was ready. So I pretty much had to go right that instant if I wanted my car before they closed, right?
When I got there, the bill was like $ 425. Uh… I… didn’t recall them mentioning it would be that much. He said it’d be like $ 200 on top of the $ 100, so basic math at work here, that’s $ 300, but I really wasn’t in the mood to argue and fight (and I’d bet that’s something they count on) So yea, I just paid, just like everyone else — paid through the nose.
A rough break down of the bill:
$ 225 for the parts and actual service charge
$ 200 for labor (Do these grease monkeys have degrees in car science? Not likely… so why the exorbitant labor fees?)
So yea, about 50% of the bill was labor. Suffice it to say, if you can get a friend to help you do something to your car, or you might even pay them $ 50 to help you, DO IT! That or learn how, it’ll save you so much.
In the end, I’ve experienced better car repair service elsewhere. I feel the price was a bit steep for the work they did and the time it took them to do it. I didn’t appreciate the lack of customer service when I entered, and I didn’t appreciate the last minute phone call which required me to immediately stop what I was doing and beg for a ride, otherwise I’d be without my car for the rest of the day.
My final rating is two stars. Would I go back? Doubtful. Perhaps you’ll have a different experience?

Don’t let their homepage fool you, it is not the #1 transmission shop in Orange County; it’s probably the worst. This place is the epitome of a shady mechanic.
They will con you for an extra $ 100+ by giving you a lower quote over the phone (they will sound very kind and informative) – only to call you back AFTER you have already dropped off your car with the excuse that they gave you a «misquote.» These thieves won’t even give you an accurate quote for a normal job such as a clutch replacement – even after you bring in your own parts.
When you call them out on their shady behavior, they will give you take-​it-​or-​leave-​it response. If I wasn’t so desperate to get my car fixed, I would’ve taken it somewhere else.
If you turn your car in Friday morning and tell them you want it by Monday, they won’t work on your car until Monday afternoon. Businesses like this should never be allowed to prosper.
I know I can’t possibly be the outlier for their type of service. Be assured that Tustin Transmission will take advantage of you.