Ellenora Gnn
map-marker Athens, Georgia

Car towed 7 times, 5 times to Kauffman including 4 attempted repairs

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My experience with Kauffman Tire: Bottom line: describing this experience as a nightmare is an understatement. Ive had my car towed 7 times, 5 times to Kauffman, 4 of which they were either diagnosing or attempting to repair my car.

Ive spent in excess of 10 hours solely dealing with Roadside Service Tows. Ive had three Ignition Control Modules installed in the vehicle which continuously failed to resolve the issue of the car turning off. On May 8, 2017 I was experiencing some issues with my 1994 Camry XLE a few days after graduating from the University of Georgia. I havent needed frequent auto-repair since moving to Athens, GA in January of 2014 but I had gotten a set of Toyo tires at Kauffman Tire for a fairly decent price and value so I decided to take the vehicle to Kauffman Tire on Epps Bridge Pkwy.

In Athens, GA. I was told the codes run were indicating a Mass Airflow Sensor failure which was then replaced. Once that code was cleared an Ignition Control Module failure seemed to be present. I explained my Financial situation as a student and really wanted to reduce costs wherever possible.

I was quoted $600 part cost for an ICM so I decided to order the ICM from Amazon, a Standard Motors Part for roughly $350. The Mass Airflow Sensor was relatively comparable in price so I had them order and install their part. The parts were installed and I was back on the road safe and secure, or so I had thought. From this point on my experience with Kauffman Tire and several of their stores turned south.

After a few days on the road I began to experience some issues with the vehicle such as hesitation when I attempted to accelerate. It wasnt until shortly after my car was back to where I had started. After paying $357.14 for the part with Amazon and $328.24 with Kauffman the first time around. (This charge was for the MAS part, the associated shop fee, and installation of both parts previously mentioned.

The total for the work and part is $685.38 but a pretty good value when you consider the $600 I was originally quotes for an ICM, and thats just for the part alone.) So my car began turning off again while being driven without any warning and I got it towed back to Kauffman little did I know this would be a continuous pattern for some time to come. When the vehicle arrived back at Kauffman on June 8 I was told the engine was throwing the same ICM codes it was previously and it must be a faulty part. I contacted Amazon and they were very straightforward in accepting responsibility for a faulty part and set me up a replacement part that was to be delivered before I had returned the first Standard Motors ICM. So I got the new part, got it installed, paid my $38.75 for them to plug in the ICM.

While this was an inconvenience, I still felt I was coming out pretty well with the price I paid for the service. Two days later my car turns off. This time in a major intersection but I was luckily able to coast the vehicle to a safe location but I thus got another tow was back to Kauffman for the third time. At this point in time I was told it was the same code we had seen previous to two replacement ICMs being installed.

I was reassured it was a faulty part and it was possible it was either an inferior part or a bad batch of parts. In my mind this was not very likely, its very rare to have two $357 ICMs to be DOA. However, at this point in time I was willing to do whatever and pay whatever necessary to have a reliable vehicle so I ordered an Ignition Control Module a NAPA part through Kauffman. I was luckily able to get the part matched for $425 from another NAPA auto parts store.

This part with the shop fee and installation charge on June 10, 2017 came to $521.12. While $357 was in process of being refunded to me from Amazon these charges add up to $1,245.25 being tied up. But it was for my car and reliable transportation is priceless. I got my money for the part from Amazon refunded resulting in a final service charge of $888.11 but my car was finally fixed, or so I thought.

I decided to drive the vehicle back to my hometown Alpharetta, GA roughly 60 miles away from Athens and everything seemed to be functioning. Later that evening I take my car out to the Wells Fargo 2 miles down the street and my car turns off on a major intersection of Mansell and State Bridge Rd during what seemed like rush hour. I turn on the hazards and hearing the upset drivers behind me, franticly attempt to start the car. Eventually it does, and I hit the gas in an attempt to park the vehicle in a safe location.

I am able to make it into the space in between the left turning lane and Old Milton Pkwy. Its late and my vehicle is close to many other cars speeding by on a busy road so I decide to eat at the Taco Mac once I had set-up another tow to Kauffman Tire except this time in Alpharetta, GA. Long story short less than 30 minutes pass by and my car is impounded by the Alpharetta Police Department. I pay $85 to get my car out and have it towed to Kauffman Tire on State Bridge Rd.

less than half a mile from where my car had broke down the night before. I contact the store on the way to advise them of the situation and explained my vehicle was on the way. I was then told this store is not properly equipped to evaluate my car and did not have a T3 technician which was required to diagnose my car. So I called the next closest location and for the 4th time to Kauffman and 6th time total during this whole ordeal I had my car towed from the Kauffman on State Bridge Rd.

to the North Point Pkwy. Kauffman Tire Location on Mansell Rd. This was about 4 P.M. Monday.

I was told the T3 tech was off on Tuesday so I didnt expect to hear back until Wednesday. Luckily they were able to get a jump start on diagnosing the vehicle. It was at this point in time after three Ignition Control Modules were installed in the vehicle we came to a brand new conclusion, the vehicle could have electrical issues and I was advised to have the car checked out by the dealership. Now, I got the car towed for the last and most recent time from the Mansell Rd.

Kauffman Tire to the Nalley Toyota Dealership in Roswell, GA.

This was the 7th tow on the same vehicle in a span of less than six weeks. At this point in time I am waiting to get the diagnosis back from the dealership and will now have to pay another $125 out of pocket.

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Loss:
$328
Pros:
  • Customer service from store associates
Cons:
  • Did not receive and offer for a full refund
Reason of review:
Bad quality

Preferred solution: Full refund

Keiona Vef

Best Deal and service around

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I priced tires and found the best deal at Kaufman Tires. I didn't get anything fancy for my Sante Fe. I'm just a regular tire kind of girl. I took my business to the store on 1190 Missouri Ave No, Largo FL 33770. Worked with Ken Kuntz, store manager. Nicest guy you'll ever meet. Gave me a great deal and excellent service. Highly recommend you see him and his store. I will return for rotations and other services like A/C and breaks when the time comes (and any other service they offer). As a female, I had a feeling of trust there and no one was trying to sell me anything but what I wanted/needed. Linda B in Clearwater.
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Pros:
  • Responsive friendly customer service
Reason of review:
All of the above, good customer serv. good quality, on time delivery, fast ordering, fiar pricing and warranty
Anonymous

RIP OFF NEVER AGAIN AT 23 DEPOT DR, HIRAM GEORGIA

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Went to purchase tires and front brakes. Brake pads cost $129 (didn't give me a cheaper choice) and came to a total of over $400 just for replacement of the FRONT BRAKES PADS, rotors were fine.

Had to delay getting tires! They flushed the brake fluid, replaced with new brake fluid. I did not even need that. Cleaned and checked my rear brakes (I didn't even ask for that) cost $54, total labor $80, environmental shop $34 whatever that is, $5 for brake cleaner spraying on the rear brakes, brake fluid disposal fee $4, new brake fluid $30, bleed and flush brake fluid $54, I had a total of nearly 10 different charges just to replace the front disc pads.

For front disc brakes should have cost less than $100. Watch out for these guys!

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Loss:
$250
Cons:
  • Unnessary charges charges for work not needed
Reason of review:
Return, Exchange or Cancellation Policy

Preferred solution: Price reduction

1 comment
Guest

I think you should sell your vehicles. I don’t think you are aware to the true cost of operation a mother vehicle. Good luck.

Anonymous

Poor Management skills at the Lilburn, Ga. store

On 08/26/17 at 10:00 am, Mgt. told me that they would NOT be able to perform a simple oil change and tire rotation until NEXT WEEK! 17 Cars in front of me! Not even if I leave it here all day? No! Really? Next WEEK! What an answer! I mean at least the guy could have said Monday is better which is a better answer and not so GET OUT OF HERE RESPONSE! I have been a loyal customer for at least 25 years. So, apparently they were running some sort of special this weekend in order to draw in more customers. I guess they didn't consider the repercussions of having to turn away loyal customers. Also it appears as though they don't have the staff to cater to the special that was offered.
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
1 comment
Guest

That's terrible service!

Anonymous
map-marker Fayetteville, Georgia

A Change is coming.....

I needed a tire patched today on my Chevy Impala, went to 2 NTB as they are my former employer and I understand how they work. But this morning since NTB was short staffed I went to Kauffman tires in Fayetteville and had a great experience. The salesperson MS. Kenisha was so polite and kind, and the service only took a hour. The time she said it would take. But most of all the service was free. Never been there before, don't have tires from them, and still received great service. Bye Bye NTB and hello Kauffman..... You have just made a new customer today....Batman
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Reason of review:
Good customer service
Anonymous

Kauffman Tire - Rebate Review

I was at Kauffman tire for service which was totally ineffective. Whie waiting I was looking at tire display when approached by the manager. I asked the price of a tire. After responding with the price, he informed e that the tire will have a nice rebate next week. I responded with good, I will be back. Was told it was not necessary to return and he could get the rebate for me today. I purchased the tires months later I returned to the store asking why. Was told I bought them too soon. I WILL NEVER RETURN TO EVEN LOOK AT TIRES AT KAUFFMAN TIRE AGAIN.
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Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
Dirk Rzr

Kauffman Tire: Incorrect Mechanical Diagnosis, St. Petersburg, FL.

In early May 2016 I had Kauffman Tire, St. Petersburg, FL.

install four new tires. In early December 2016 I brought that vehicle, a Toyota, back for its "lifetime free rotation and balancing". It was then that a rep. told me that "your tie rod is loose." I declined any offers to repair it BECAUSE I was suspicious of that assessment: the car evidenced no problems in vibrations, control, etc.

Several weeks later I had a highly reliable Toyota (and Asian cars) repair shop examine.

The mechanic told me there was NO EVIDENCE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE TIE RODS. I pass this on because when Kauffman Tire or any other tire-replacement shop reports a potentially expensive repair, GET AN INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS!!!

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Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
1 comment
Guest

Having the same problem with this location. Spent over a $1000 for tires, went in for a free tire rotation now they say I need over $3000 in struts, shocks and tires. Very rude service.

Betina Cuh
map-marker Concord, North Carolina

Kauffman Tire - Tire Replacement Review from Concord, North Carolina

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I had originally bought 4 Kauffman brand tires less than a year ago. I had a blowout on one of my tires so i took it back to Kauffman to fix my tire. I was told that if they could not fix my tire, i would have to purchase a new tire!! First of all, the older gentleman that i originally spoke with said he could squeeze me in and it would be less than hour wait; i was the next customer. I also said i could come back the next day if they couldnt get to my car. I had told him that i could not wait any longer than that bc i had to pick up my daughter. He informed me that it should'nt be a problem! Around 45 min. I asked how much longer it would be and he told me that i was next in line to look at my tire!! A hour later i was still waiting! I asked again and the same guy said i was next but this time he wasnt as friendly!!! A hour and half goes by and im still waiting. I had to call someone to pick up my daughter. While i was outside on the phone the same guy came outside and told me that there were people in front of me that had appointments and that it would be even longer!! At that point i told him that i couldnt wait any longer and i would go somewhere else! He took the keys out of the bag and he forcefully shoved them in my hand and then he huffed and puffed back inside! He was quite rude about it. He never apologized to me! I left and went to discount tires. They were very friendly and were able to see me and get me out of there in under 45 min. There were 3 people ahead of me and they still managed to get me out of there!! They could'nt fix my tire and i couldnt afford a new one or a used tire. The guy that was helping me basically gave me a used tire for free!! Now thats service! Discount Tires gives u a warranty on all tires. The warranty is included with the tires and they will replace your tire if its not able to be fixed. Kauffman tires only covers fixing the tire and they charge you for the warranty on each tire but they will not replace it. You will have to buy a new one!! I will never go to Kauffman Tires again!!
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Reason of review:
Bad quality
Anonymous
map-marker Ottawa, Ontario

Kauffman Tire Customer Care Review

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Lakewood Ranch Fl location is reliable, responsible and courteous. Multiple visits and at the age of 68 l would rate it as one of the most customer responsive auto and tire shops with I have done business. Service rep was well informed on tire products and pricing.
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Pros:
  • Responsive friendly customer service
Reason of review:
Good customer service
Anonymous
map-marker Gainesville, Florida

The Alignment and customer service is the worse

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This occurs on Kaufman Tire?Gainesville;

I purchase a alignment ext for my Pilot 2016 by $169.00, after the second alignment(just check) my Pilot started with instability over the road, I brought to the Dealer Honda and report it, after they review and considered my issue they determined my Pilot was out alignment... They did it and now is fine.

Today I went on the branch to try to explain my concern, and the attention was the worse, the people was rude, speak a lots argument about the defect on my tires (Brand new Pirelli) and discourteous, never he give me an option to recovery my confidence on the store..

My recommendation is Do not GO to this store, Bad Service,and Worse attention.

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Loss:
$169
Cons:
  • Never again
  • Poor service and worse customer attention
Reason of review:
Poor customer service

Preferred solution: Full refund

Anonymous
map-marker Buford, Georgia

Kauffman Tire Tire Replacement Review

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FULL REPLACEMENT ??? THAT'S NOT TRUE,, WENT YOU BUY IT,,, THEY SAY,,, ANITHING HAPPEN ON YOUR TIRES,, WE TRY TO FIX IF WE CANT WE REPACE FOR FREE DO NOT BELIBE ON THIS. Kauffman Buford.
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Reason of review:
Not as described/ advertised
Anonymous
map-marker Dahlonega, Georgia

Poor

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Had new tires put on today at Dawsonville store,gouged my rim on front right,will not be using Kauffmans again.Said they would have rim refinished like factory new,there is no way,the gouges are to deep and there are three of them.Ihave changed over a hundred tires and know this to be the tire changing tool.To have the rims refinished is ridiculous,at my convieance is what I was told I work 50to60 hours a week,I have no conveyance.So I will not take any more of my vehicles there any more,the last time they just left off one of the lug nut covers off my truck and said Icould order one. Goodbye Kauffmans.
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Cons:
  • Tire changer ruined my wheel and left his trash in my car
  • Never again
Reason of review:
Bad quality
1 comment
Guest

Kaufman puts tire insurance on all new tire purchases and usually doesn't tell you about the extra charge.

Anonymous
map-marker Knightdale, North Carolina

Short Review on July&nbs-04:00;12,&nbs-04:00;2016

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SLOW is their name. Sloffman.
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Reason of review:
Order processing issue
Sadonna Yrx
map-marker Clarkesville, Georgia

Kauffman Tire - Tire Balancing Review from Clarkesville, Georgia

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Went to have new tires mounted and balanced. Had them check alignment even though there was no issue with the alignment.

No odd tire wear and the car tracked straight. They said it needed alignment and after getting car back after waiting 3.5 hours, the steering wheel was angled 20 degrees to the right and the car pulled hard to the left. Went back immedietly and they said the right tie rod was bad. I use to own a repair shop and had just replaced that tie rod the previous tire change.

I don't know how the broke my tie rod but they did.

After they refunded my money, I pulled the tie rod and was shocked to find it looked like it had been beat on with a sledgehammer. Never go to any Kauffman tire.

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Reason of review:
Bad quality
Anonymous
map-marker Colbert, Georgia

Kauffman Tire Services Review from Colbert, Georgia

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Sent my husband to get new tires on the van, and unfortunately he didn't shop around. Instead, he went to Kauffman because there's a new store nearby and he obviously wanted convenience over reputation.

He came home with 4 new tires and a whole laundry list of things they said were wrong with the van. It's routinely maintained at a local shop (which i really wish he'd used today), and they've never suggested all the things Kauffman said it needed. They said my brakes were worn out. Interesting, since they were recently replaced.

Husband allowed them to change the power steering fluid, and they charged an arm & a leg for it. If you google that, you'll see that power steering fluid actually very rarely needs to be changed.

My best friend said they did the exact same thing to her mother. I'm equally p!ssed at both Kauffman and my husband for blowing over $100 on something that didnt need to be done.

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Reason of review:
Poor customer service