CB Vehicle Repair and Maintenance First Automotive Service They only "service" themselves!

First Automotive Service Reviews and Complaints

First Automotive Service review: They only "service" themselves!

CJ Patterson of US

Mar 21, 2025 1:43 pm EDT

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Purchased 2011 Subaru Forester, 61,950 miles, on 12/6/24 “as is”. Contract included First Automotive Service, Albuquerque NM, for ‘Basic Service’ ($2,027).
1/12/25, all dash system warning lights (red) came on, and flashed intermittently over then next week. All fluid levels, fuse, exhaust, gas cap issues were checked and acceptable. On 1/19/25, transmission stuck at 3d gear. 1/22/25 local vehicle service company diagnosed transmission problem that he could not fix.
I contacted FAS on 1/22/25 to notify them of issue. Vehicle towed to different Service Provider, 30 miles away, on 1/31/25 ($160.00). Service Provider notified FAS of repair estimate on 2/5; estimate not accepted by FAS. FAS insisted on obtaining part themselves (Supplier ID still not known). Replacement transmission received by Service Provider on 3/7 and installation completed on 3/11. Test drive and inspection successful. After parking at service overnight, a leak appeared and FAS was contacted by Service Provider. On 2/14, FAS advised Service Provider to send pictures of leak to Supplier, who would then advise FAS what to do (?!?)
I contacted FAS on 3/17. Claim “supervisor” Ron, indicated that he would immediately follow up with Supplier. As of 3/21/25 neither I nor Service Provider have heard from FAS or parts Supplier. Total time that claim department on notice: 58 days WITHOUT RESOLUTION.
58 days with NO CAR; 2 car payments and 2 months insurance paid for vehicle we do not even have in our possession. Car rental in policy of $150.00 is useless, as would only cover 3-4 days. Tow reimbursement of $50.00 does not cover 1/3 of tow bill incurred. BUT, FAS has had our premium for 85 days.

Recommendation: check out your options first!

Purchased 2011 Subaru Forester, 61,950 miles, on 12/6/24 “as is”. Contract included First Automotive Service, Albuquerque NM, for ‘Basic Service’ ($2,027).
1/12/25, all dash system warning lights (red) came on, and flashed intermittently over then next week. All fluid levels, fuse, exhaust, gas cap issues were checked and acceptable. On 1/19/25, transmission stuck at 3d gear. 1/22/25 local vehicle service company diagnosed transmission problem that he could not fix. I contacted FAS on 1/22/25 to notify them of issue. Vehicle towed to different Service Provider, 30 miles away, on 1/31/25 ($160.00). Service Provider notified FAS of repair estimate on 2/5; estimate not accepted by FAS. FAS insisted on obtaining part themselves (Supplier ID still not known). Replacement transmission received by Service Provider on 3/7 and installation completed on 3/11. Test drive and inspection successful. After parking at service overnight, a leak appeared and FAS was contacted by Service Provider. On 2/14, FAS advised Service Provider to send pictures of leak to Supplier, who would then advise FAS what to do (?!?)
I contacted FAS on 3/17. Claim “supervisor” Ron, indicated that he would immediately follow up with Supplier. As of 3/21/25 neither I nor Service Provider have heard from FAS or parts Supplier. Total time that claim department on notice: 58 days WITHOUT RESOLUTION.
58 days with NO CAR; 2 car payments and 2 months insurance paid for vehicle we do not even have in our possession. Car rental in policy of $150.00 is useless, as would only cover 3-4 days. Tow reimbursement of $50.00 does not cover 1/3 of tow bill incurred. BUT, FAS has had our premium for 85 days.