Dealing with auto salvage yards for car parts is often a necessary part of running an auto repair shop. Recently, my shop needed a used automatic transmission and we turned to Wagner’s Auto Salvage Inc, a place we had used without issue in the past. However, this recent experience has completely changed my perspective and has led me to share a cautionary tale for other repair professionals and anyone looking for car parts from Wagner’s Auto Salvage Inc.
In early February, I purchased an automatic transmission from Wagner’s for a customer’s vehicle. As a long-time independent auto repair shop owner, I’ve sourced used car parts before, and Wagner’s Auto Salvage was once a reliable option. Unfortunately, it’s clear that their policies and customer service have drastically declined. The initial transmission purchase quickly turned into a series of costly problems and frustrating delays.
Upon receiving the transmission and beginning the installation, I encountered an immediate issue. After installation, as part of our standard procedure, we removed the transmission pan to replace the filter and fluid. What we discovered was shocking: the transmission pan was severely damaged from underneath. This damage was so significant that it had destroyed the shift solenoids and the internal transmission harness. To ensure the repair for my customer was done correctly, I had to invest an additional $150 out of pocket to replace these damaged components – shift solenoids, internal harness, and the pan itself. Despite documenting everything with photos, my attempt to get reimbursed for these directly related damages was denied because I addressed the issue before contacting them – a policy that seems designed to avoid responsibility.
The situation worsened when the installed transmission failed shortly after. My customer had to tow the vehicle back to my shop. Diagnosis confirmed the transmission failure. Contacting my Wagner’s Auto Salvage sales representative, I was informed they didn’t have a replacement in stock immediately. They could acquire one, but at an additional $250 cost, on top of the original price, because this “new” unit would supposedly have lower mileage. Let’s recap: I was already out $150 due to their damaged part, and now faced with another $250 surcharge for a replacement under warranty. To take care of my customer, I reluctantly agreed to pay the extra $250, bringing my total out-of-pocket expense to $400 beyond the initial quoted price for a functioning used transmission from Wagner’s Auto Salvage Inc car parts.
As of today, over a week has passed, and the replacement transmission has not arrived. Communication has ceased for days, leaving my customer’s vehicle stuck in my shop, and my business in a lurch. This entire ordeal with Wagner’s Auto Salvage Inc has been incredibly disappointing and frankly, feels like dishonest business practice. Despite being well within their stated 90-day warranty period and adhering to all their guidelines, the experience has been nothing short of a financial and logistical nightmare. As a fellow small business owner, I find their current customer service and warranty handling to be unacceptable and a stark contrast to what I had experienced in the past. This will certainly be my last time seeking car parts from Wagner’s Auto Salvage. Potential customers, especially fellow repair shops, should be aware of these potential issues when considering Wagner’s Auto Salvage Inc car parts for their needs.
