Transmission repair service near Riverside, NJ

Been taking my imported car problems to Fred Sonsini off and on since the 1990s. Terrific service, high integrity, fair prices, extensive knowledge and experience. "Old school" in the best sense of the term. Highly recommend.

Make sure you get written documentation of what they will be doing and how much they intend to charge you for it, even if you just need an estimate!!! They claim good quality, but the only evidence is the exceedingly high prices!!! They WILL try to rope you into "choosing" them to do the work (with hidden fees if you don't), even if their estimate is twice as much as someone else. They talk a good game, but that's because they have practice doing what they do!!! Don't be fooled by their "helpfulness," it's all part of the scam!

This place is reliable, honest, neither slow nor fast, and is economical. It is best to call them during working hours, describe the issue(s), and set an appointment for drop off. They allow you to drop the keys through a mail slot and leave your car if dropping off before they open. They call you if there are issues and when the auto is ready for pick up. They offer great services, at good prices, give decent estimates, and communicate any issues during the process. The only drawback is that Tom is kind of a curmudgeon. He is a very honest and trustworthy person, but is grumpy nine times out of ten. My wife and I have been going to Stephanou's for about seven years or so. They are awesome.

All Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care centers abide by Cottman's complete service philosophy, which calls for your vehicle to be repaired properly the first time, so that you don't have to lose either time or money. Cottman's Service Philosophy is the reason why millions of customers have trusted us to repair their vehicle's transmissions over the past five decades. You see, at Cottman, we know you have more important things to worry about than your car. Cottman will never compromise its standards just to make a vehicle "superficially drivable." We will never perform a low quality service that would result in increased costs, inconvenience, and possible hazardous driving conditions for our customers.

I took my Volvo here because they said they were Volvo certified - they are not. Although the car was running perfectly fine, we wanted them to check out a "Check transmission next service" message. Three thousand dollars later, the message is still there and the car is stone cold dead in my driveway. They said there is nothing more they can do - and they were RUDE about it. Also, a Volvo mechanic told me that they charge at least 1 1/2 times what others charge. DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR HERE.

Do NOT use this shop. I had my Altima in for a shifting issue. After $1200 ($500 in Labor) I got it back with MORE ISSUES. I picked my car up and it not only had the Check Engine Light on - which was NEW, but it was drivable when I went back about a week later after the work to mention a newly developed problem. After less than a 5 mins drive Dominic comes back telling me I need a whole new transmission. I ask how they originally got to the diagnosis - Dominic very soon was telling me to "Take him to court" - I hadn't even asked for ANY refund yet! All I wanted was a correct diagnosis. Very quick and expensive, thoughtless work. They are a "Parts Changer" not a mechanic.