Google Reviews
Joshua Brown
★★★★★
2 years ago
These people really helped me out last year when I got a bit hustled on a used f150 with a “minor” transmission leak. Turns out that minor leak became a major leak within days of dropping a fair amount of cash on what I hoped would be a reliable daily driver and work vehicle. My daughter had just been born and I was nervous about another major expense on my hands. I felt like an absolute idiot. The shop needed a lot more than I had at the time to fix just about every single thing on the transmission. We worked something out that was quite generous of them. Ever since that truck came out of the shop, it’s shifted like a dream, not a single leak or problem after almost 10k miles now. I do not typically write reviews, I can assure you this is a true story, and I have had a few minor issues with the truck since, but not the transmission, not a single problem since David handed me the keys back. Thanks guys.
Corey Foxworth
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
I wouldn't recommend taken european cars there. I have a extended warranty. So shopping around to find a transmission shop . I had car diagnosis at 2 shops both shops told me torque converter was malfunctioning. Transmission scanned good . Both shops gave me paperwork of there findings. They don't honor extended warranty. So I reached out to American transmission. They accept extended warranties .Dropped vehicle off and waited 2 days for a reply . Gentleman stated I had no transmission codes shown . Something I already knew. Told me a had a engine problem. I keep car serviced regularly and never had a engine code before . Mind you the car was scanned by 2 shops in the past 4 days. I'm not going to say they do good or bad work. I don't know. But I will say they don't know Mercedes-Benz vehicles at all. And he referred me to the dealership. Every vehicle we is working on could go their dealerships instead of him . Customer service is important. Please do your research and get multiple opinions. I found a transmission shop that honored my extended warranty and fix the torque converter problem with a 1 year warranty included.
Alan Collins
★★★★★
a year ago
Very professional did a great job repairing my transmission on my f150 very knowledgeable highly recommend will use again if needed again
D Nelson
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
I wish I didn’t have to write this NEGATIVE review but Charlie’s Transmission FAILED to meet even basic business expectations. SETTLE IN WITH NICE ADULT BEVERAGE AS THIS REVIEW IS A BIT LONG. On December 19, 2024, I brought our 2002 Toyota Sequoia in to Charlie’s to have the rack and pinion replaced as I noticed the power steering belt was making noise and the fluid reservoir was empty. I dropped it off and was later told it was actually a valve cover gasket that was the issue. I told Sam the mechanic this may also be an issue but the two are unrelated and asked him to check the rack and pinion. He did and confirmed that YES this was the problem. So they replaced the rack & pinion and misc. related steering parts plus an oil change. The bill was $1344.42 I was ok paying for this work as the vehicle is in excellent shape for a 22 year old vehicle and my wife loves it. When I brought the truck home and pulled in to the driveway I noticed it seemed to “feel” different when I turned it felt like it was oversteering, but figured it was how it was supposed to be and over 22 years we just got used to a different feel. It’s my wife’s vehicle and she drives it about 20 miles a day and never complained about the steering. Last week I was with her and noticed the vehicle seemed to be PLOWING as she turned into the driveway so I took a look at the tires and much to my surprise outside of each tire was starting to go bald about 3 inches from the edge. This obviously indicated an improper alignment. So both tires are now shot! I immediately contacted Charlies and spoke to DAVID (a Charlie front counter employee) and advised him of the problem. He said bring it in and they would take a look. I brought the car in the next day and basically here’s where the problem is with Charlies. He told me that I should’ve gotten the car aligned after they replaced the rack and pinion and I should’ve known that. Unfortunately, no one ever told me to do this and and I assumed that a family run business that has been doing auto repairs for over 50 years should either have their own alignment machine by now OR make it very clear that the customer needs to do this! Had they told me this I would have done so. I told David I was not very happy to now have to get an alignment AND 2 new tires and asked him to suggest something agreeable to both of us. He again stated that “we always tell customers to get the car aligned after repair work like this“ unfortunately Sam the mechanic never said anything about getting it aligned and there’s nothing printed on the receipt that said I would need to get it aligned either. I said “how about crediting me $300 for the new tires that I will now have to buy.” He said he would talk to the owners and put me on hold. He came back and “they would not be able to do that.” I said, “how about you buy one tire I’ll buy one tire.” He said the owners cannot do that either I said, “how about you pay for the alignment” he said “the owners would not do that either.” All they would offer me is to install the tires for free. So we picked up the vehicle today and he said “if you do get new tires I have a guy down the street who will give you a deal.” Holy crap, how dumb does David think I am. The “owner” didn’t even have the guts to come out and speak to me in person and even told David he didn’t care about a negative review. I told David, “ no problem, I’ll take my keys and my wife and I left. We went directly to Tire Kingdom located at 2911 Tyrone Blvd. St. Petersburg Fl. We were greeted by “Duane” explained the problem and ended up getting a great deal on 4 tires. They also noticed the rear shocks and front struts were bad and needed replacement. Charlie’s NEVER noticed this even after getting several oil changes. So I not only went elsewhere to get new tires, but got much needed shocks & struts. Going forward I will be taking my vehicle to Pasadena Car Care located at 100 Pasadena Ave. S. St Petersburg. DON’T GO TO CHARLIES AS THEY DON’T STAND BEHIND THEIR WORK and HAVE TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! .
Vincent Ballard
★★★★★
2 years ago
It’s always scary spending money on big ticket repairs but American diagnosed my truck for free then gave me a much better price than the dealership who milked me for 200.00 and couldn’t tell me what was wrong. David searched for the best option and his team got my truck out quickly with no surprises. His mechanics are mature experienced guys who look like they’ve been doing transmission work a long time. No kids there. My truck drive like new and I got a great warranty. Thank you American Transmission 👍🏼
Ashley Freedy
★★★★★
9 months ago
A big shout out to Rob!! He was super professional and fixed my AC, which another shop said was beyond repair. Super quick turn around with great customer service. Will absolutely be back if I run in to another car issue.
Jeremy
★★★★★
a year ago
Great service. I had to get a new transmission and it cost me an arm and a leg. However, the price they quoted me was way below what I would have had to pay at the dealership. David was very professional and very understanding and gave me a good deal. My car is good as new. Thanks American Transmission of Pinellas!
Heather Pennucci
★★★★★
a year ago
I had an excellent experience at Charlie's Transmission. David behind the counter was very direct, I like to see that style. He is fair firm and honest. He let me know exactly what was going on, gave me a fair price and got the job done. Thanks again Charlie's Transmission... they did a great job
ryan lose
★★★★★
9 months ago
I called about needing new tires and an issue with my truck acting up while driving. They were able to get me in quickly and worked with me on getting it fixed and getting me back on the road. Rob was amazing to work with and answered all my questions. I know if I have another issue with a vehicle in taking it back to them.
Sharon Davie
★★★★★
a year ago
On June 12, 2024, I had to get a second opinion on my transmission for my 2006 Toyota Sienna Van ($164 miles) which was rebuilt on Oct 18, 2024. David was so understanding and nice as I had been going back and forth from the original transmission company and my mechanic. He volunteered to help me and they kept my van overnight. The good news is that David told me my transmission was fine. He also did not charge me for the work. What a great treat since I had been under stress about the whole thing for 2 days. I understand American Transmissions had been in business for 50 years and it is a family run business. My next transmission rebuild will be definitely be done here!
ZenB
★★★★★
a year ago
I was told I had major transmission issues from a reputable mechanic. I was told American Transmission of Pinellas was the best and most honest. David had my car looked at for free. 2 other shops wanted several hundred to inspect. American Transmission of Pinellas told me nothing was wrong and it was mechanical. Very honest people and recommended another mechanic who fixed my car when nobody else could. Highly recommend.
Frank Flanagan
★
☆☆☆☆
Edited a year ago
Called shop at 10:30pm just to leave a message , got called back 10 minutes later , didn't expect that. Was assured I called the right place to take my 1984 collector car . I mentioned I thought it was my rear end differential by the sound , they ignored that idea , said they would have the car ready in a week to 10 days , after 3 weeks I called them , and was told they rebuilt the transmission , checked the driveshaft , replaced the rear axle bearings , so I said " is it fixed "? , They said no , but we haven't checked the differential , guess what , that's what it was , but they couldn't get the parts , so I bought the parts ($1000) , and they installed them. Somehow they plugged the wrong wire looms together and fried the entire electrical system , along with two gauges on the dash which cost me another $666:dollars at another shop , American transmission had my car for 39 days total. Just got 4000 miles on the car , and the transmission gave out. Total paid for repair , with the parts $3800. Swindlers ! If you love your car , and your money , find another transmission shop. God Bless 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE , I have the receipt , although you can hardly read the handwriting. I have the proof , sorry you don't keep good records at your shop.
Kristin Animal Lover
★★
☆☆☆
8 months ago
The first problem I experienced was that it took over a week for them to diagnose the problem with the transmission. The manager was really rude. I was referred there by someone I trusted so I wanted to get the work done at that shop, unfortunately. The next problem was that I noticed my car had paint rubbed off of both front fenders after I picked it up. I noticed a week later so it would be hard to prove that they did it. But I am sure I did not! So I believe they damaged the paint on my car during the extended period of time it took for them to diagnose it. Moving it around the property instead of working on diagnostics. Next, the plastic guard from underneath my car fell down while I was driving. It was not secured properly. Now my car has been with my new mechanic five different times to try to correct the issues that arose due to shoddy work done putting my car back together. There are too many items to list that were done improperly. There is still a noise that he has been on the unable to correct so he's going to look at it for free because he feels so badly for me that these people screwed me over. I have not experienced problems with the transmission that they installed but it is a mute point if they don't put your car back together properly.
Allendale guitars. St Petersburg
★★★★★
5 years ago
Dave and his work team dose above and beyond the tasks and service you will ever need on your vehicle, I'm way over 100% pleased with the rebuild of my 1994 f150. Please don't go any other place but to American trans. Thank you Dave and crew. Chris.
chet simonetti
★
☆☆☆☆
10 months ago
I was referred to Charlie's by my mechanic business. Said he was reputable and stood by his work. Unfortunately, not in my case! 5,000$ transmission rebuild. The mechanic did not reconnect the wires leading from the starter. Anyway a lose wire shorted out. Partially melting the wires and damaging the starter. There was video of the wires being lose, so they could not deny that. My mechanic shop, called up Charlie's and I had my car towed back to Charlie's. Which after about 3 hours later. He admitted the lose wire. Said had nothing to do with the starter shorting out. Refused to take responsibility for the damage (who in my opinion) that was done to my car. So now my mechanic is fixing the problem that CHARLIES TRANSMISSION MECHANIC caused. Once again, my opinion. And I'm out more or less than a thousand dollars. To say I'm upset, doesn't come close. So. I only gave one star because I can't give them a zero rating. As far as I'm concerned, they DO NOT stand by their work. I can't recommend them to even change oil! Use them at your own risk!!!
joshua van
★★★★★
7 months ago
My 2020 Silverado RST started shaking when I was accelerating. I read all of the horror stories from Chevy customers about transmission issues with the 8 speed transmission. This is the second time I have brought a truck to them in the last 15 years both times they were excellent. When I brought the Silverado it they for the free evaluation they were very honest and up front. I ended up having to have the transmission rebuild and re programmed as well as the torque converter replaced. Very fair pricing and excellent communication. I have had it back for 3 weeks and it’s driving better than it did when it was brand new.
Zaddy
★★★★★
Edited 2 months ago
Referral from There are too many items to list that were done improperly. There is still a noise that he has been on the unable to correct so he's going to look at it for free becaus so badly for . I have not experienced problems withthe transmission that they installed but it is at a certain point if they don't put your car back together properly, as said in another unfortunate review, when I asked not one, two but three times if I needed to replace the inner tie rods, the shops reassured me that replacing those are NOT required to completed the service. So I returned the inner tie rods that I had ordered (presumably because they did not want to take the car apart again. To CHARLIES DISMAY, after releasing me to get just an alignment done, three separate and very reputable mechanics all said they can’t and won’t align the car because you guessed it& the knee tie rods needed replacing! I asked Dave at Charlie’s on three different occasions if they would either (please replace the inner tie rods since I knew they were bad and needed to be replaced, turned down by my personal choice shop where they said it would be a few days and at LEAST another $650-800z l. Dude. I have documentation of all the parts I had purchased (and/or told to return) and the explicit return of these tie rods because usually they need to be done at the same time not just the outers. Contrary to that, the mechanic the trandmission recommend to go to seems as though I’m not the only one this has happened to:
Paul Jackson
★
☆☆☆☆
a month ago
I called , they said yeah bring it on in we can do it. Simple right bring it there and they say oh we can’t do this You have to find someone else to do it. Let alone a simple starter yet it is a transmission shop I wonder how many people have had problems with this shop or are they even educated to work on a vehicle to tell you they canReplace starter With new oneBring it there they tell you oh we can’t fix it (Very unprofessional) #justastarter 🤦♂️👩🔧👩🔧👩🔧👩🔧👩🔧
steven poindexter
★★★★★
a month ago
Worked with David and had a wonderful experience! My transmission felt like it was lurching all the sudden, so I stopped in to inquire about my options. Expecting the worst for replacing a $6k transmission, it turned out all I needed were some new spark plugs after they looked it over. I told them I look forward to writing a review for your honesty! Thank you very much, you've certainly earned my trust and I will be back in the future for any auto needs I may have! Thanks again!!
Shawn
★★★★★
2 months ago
Took my car here for a new transmission after the last shop couldn't get it right and I am so happy I did. Charlies was incredibly honest about all of the previous shabby work and got the work done the right way. Even in the holiday season the work was completed promptly and my car has been back to it's glory ever since. If you need any service, this trustworthy business that treats customers (and your ride) like family is your goto.
