These guys always try to fit me in asap and don't bullshit me on anything. They have been very honest with me and have worked hard to help me keep my lemon functioning. These guys are great. I feel like they honestly care. I've come to them for piston replacement, engine replacement, and wiper motor issues and they have always been there for me. read more

I've been taking my vehicles there for over 10 years and won't take them anywhere else. The quality of the work is excellent, the staff highly knowledgeable and the manager keeps it all very organized. They keep me in the loop every step of the way, offer options to lower cost and don't try to sell me anything. I completely trust this shop to do right by me and my vehicles. Not to mention they are all very nice people. read more

I was having an issue with my car where I was 99% sure it was an oil sensor issue. First went to jiffy lube as it's close and the guys there were bullshitting me the whole time saying it's the pump which is an expensive fix. They wouldn't even look at my sensor and just kept insisting it was the pump. I left there and went to valvoline and they recommended this place. These guys got me in right away! They looked at my sensor and it was leaking and filled with oil! They ordered the part got it within 10 minutes and fixed it in about 15 minutes. All for an amazing price! These guys were super nice, got me in fast, and were all around awesome! So far my oil light has not come on and it's driving normally again. I see that there's lower reviews but everyone experience is different and mine was that these guys were awesome! read more

Thank you very much for helping my son on his replacement parts for his 1977 Chevy Scottsdale C10. Even walk through with him on what he needs to be replaced on the truck. read more

Nearly 1 year ago my only daughter moved from our San Diego, CA home to start a new life in Salem. She took her clothes, two goldfish, some kitchen stuff and her beloved "Old Purp," a dark purple 1997 Buick Skylark pushing 155,000 on the odometer. Old Purp has been a really good car for her, other than the 21 year old plastic parts that seem to break if you look at them too long. Thank goodness for junk yards! But I digress. I've always taken care of my kids cars, but when my daughter called to tell me that Old Purp was having problems shifting into reverse, I knew it was time for her to have her first "repair shop" experience... with a little help from her old dad. Being someone who favors old cars, (I currently have six, ranging from 1964 to 2006), I know my way around a repair shop. In San Diego I have all my go-to "guys." From my brake guy (who I've been going to for 26 years!) to my Paint and Body guy to my exhaust guy to my MG mechanic to my Hot Rod mechanic to my guy who won't (or can't) work on anything that wasn't built in this century... if I can't fix it, I know someone who can. I know all the things that are "nice" to have fixed and those you "have" to get fixed... and how to tell the difference. I also know the things that are easy to fix yourself and things that you definitely want a pro to do. A transmission that won't shift into reverse falls directly into the "have the Pro do it" category. Unfortunately, in today's "pull and replace" world, it's kinda hard to find someone who can do what it takes to get an old car back on the road, without spending more than the car is worth... especially when you're more than 1000 miles away. The first place my daughter went too quoted her $2,300. She called to ask my advice and I asked to speak to the technician. He told me it was definitely the best option for the car and then asked me (knowing I was in San Diego!), if I was sure the fluid was full. I was, as I had walked my daughter through the procedure the day before, but I asked him if he hadn't already checked it? He said no, but if I wanted him too he'd be happy to do it for an $80 inspection fee. I asked to speak to my daughter and simply told her to leave. Two other places I called immediately quoted me $2,500 and told me they didn't even need to look at it to know "that was the best option." Thankfully I found Duramax Transmissions and I couldn't be happier. In my first conversation with Tony, and with Juan after that, I knew we were on the same page. Duramax did a free inspection on my daughter's Skylark. It wasn't a full on transmission service, but it didn't need to be. It was just to make sure it's wasn't some easy fix. Once they ruled out the easy stuff, Tony actually called and said, "I wouldn't spend the money for a rebuilt transmission on this car. It's just not worth it." When I agreed and asked for options, Tony's first suggestion was buying another car. That was probably good advice, but my daughter is making it on her own, working at a "temp for hire" job, and not exactly flush with cash. If we could get another year out of Old Purp, that would help her out tremendously. I asked if he had any other suggestions, and he said if I really wanted to keep this one on the road, they could install a used transmission, from a wrecking yard, with a 60 day Parts & Labor warranty. "For that car, we can do it for $875 out the door," he told me. "Let's do it," I said and two days later my daughter was mobile again! She loves a lot of things about Salem, but the bus isn't one of them! She's been driving the car for nearly two weeks now and says it works as good as it ever did, and that's saying a lot. LIke I said, it's been a good car. Small shops that do good work for a decent price depend on word-of-mouth to stay in business. That's why I'm always happy to share my San Diego automotive resources with my friends, family, associates, and (basically) anyone who will listen. So if you need transmission work, or (I'm told) any sort of automotive repair, and you happen to be in Salem, Oregon... you should definitely go see my new "Salem Guys" at Duramax Transmissions. Tell 'em "San Diego Dan" sent ya. It won't get you a discount, but it will make 'em smile. And there's nothing wrong with that. read more

Great service and good prices at Duramax! Tony was informative, friendly, funny and I really felt like a valued customer. He explained things in a way I could easily understand, rather than just technical words. They had my car ready in a timely matter, and let me know of any issues they encountered. I will always go to Duramax for my cars from now on. read more

as a professiional mechanic and now a car warranty administrator I have found this repair shop a topnotch repair facility My customers who have used this repair shop, even the simplist to the complicated repairs are done in a reasonable time and reasonable cost as well as excellant repair jobs and have had zero complaints about the workmanship,highly reccomended. read more

I went in because someone at Oil Can Henry's recommended this place since I owned an Audi and they specialize in German cars. My car worked but i just needed to fix the starter because it wouldn't start when I'd put the key in and turn it the first time, it would take a few tries. I left my car overnight for them to "fix it" but instead they "fixed" other things. When i drove my car off it felt the same than when i first took it in. They added gasoline in where coolant is supposed to go in so my car would literally shut off in the middle of the road.... i got rid of that car lol.. I think they took advantage of me because I'm a girl. Oh well read more

I'm not sure how hey got amazing reviews? Either people working there have left or thy just deciding to screw over my family! Took my 2013 dodge van in for "tune up" spark plugs coils and wires!!! Tried to say they had to fix something else and charge us $80 more!!! Said no can't afford it. He said ok fine just the $300 we agreed. (They had it for 7hours!!) NEXT day I drove it and still had an issue! It was chugging here and there (misfiring) We take it back 3 days later when we have no work and able to try to "fix" it. Different guy is there. DAN ("manager") was very rude and very unprofessional! Basically staid whoever did the tune up didn't do everything and that we are screwed he looked at the car and when it was in pieces my fiancé and DAN got heated! DAN got in his face and cussed him out I felt of costumers! He Said he wouldn't put car back together!!!!!! (Also while in my car trying to "do something" he was smoking a cigarette?) That's when I Called and told him not to hold my car hostage I am at home with 3 kids I need that van and the car seats in it! He said I'm putting it back together now! I asked for Owners number and HE Hung up on me!!!!!!!!! What?? So once car was put together he told my fiancé to LEAVE premises and not come back. I took 3 kids in the van went back down there and calmly respectfully asked for owners number he refused! I asked why he said "because i won't! I already dealt with your husband and I said no to him you guys aren't getting his number!" I ask again he said no! I said I would call the cops so they can help me get the number! He said go for it they won't do anything I said ok I will he then told me I had to leave now! I said why? I am calm and being respectful?! He said leave the premises I said ok down I'll go on the curb with my 3 kids and wait for the cops! I called unfortunately they weren't gonna come out to "force" him to give me the number so I waited and sat there watching them for over an hour! He was rude! Disrespectful And NO help! Did not finish the job and took all our money! I'm livid Never going back You guys shouldn't either!! Fire DAN! read more

They have no problem underselling you a job so you'll be back later. they pulled my transmission out and replaced my clutch for me without telling me that I needed further service done with the transmission out.then proceeded to tell me that there was other problems after they had already reinstalled the transmission. read more

I found Duramax (Tony) thru J&L Transmissions....don't know exactly how that works, but not complaining. At first there were a few 'hit and miss' contact issues, but Tony "genuinely" strives to make his customers happy! Anyone who knows me, knows how particular I am with my car and where and what kind of service I get. My car, being an Acura Vigor, took a little longer than expected to complete because the parts are harder to find. Worth the wait for sure!!! Tony told me that when they're done with it, it'll be like a brand new car and he was right!! I think it drives better now than when I purchased it about 10 years ago. I love driving it so much that I look for any excuse to take it out for a spin!! I had to call him the day after I picked it up to let him know how impressed I am with the work! Nice to know also that they do 'everything' but tires because I'll be taking my car there for anything else it may need in the future. Just to let everyone know, I was taking it to Power Honda in Albany Oregon for the last 6 years, thinking that they were taking good care of me and my car and because of all the referrals. Well, this isn't the case anymore after failing to take care of my transmission with just simple preventative measures....along with other maintenance issues where they failed. When I checked out their reviews, I noticed they had a 5 star rating....but ONLY with 'selling' cars! I'm going to have to file a complaint because of a situation that didn't have to happen. I will never recommend that dealership to anyone and from now on I'll be making Duramax Transmission my 'go to' shop for any repairs!! Thank you Tony and the Duramax team that worked on my car! P.S. Forgot to add that Tony saved me a lot of money, not only with rebuilding the transmission, but with a starter that the dealership said I needed, only to find out that the one I had in there was good! The problem was a loose terminal to the battery, which they tightened....at no charge. I valued the honesty! read more

This is for a car I was thinking about buying a vehicle for my daughter, that has transmission issues which were previously "repaired" by Duramax Transmission in Salem. The 2002 Ford Explorer had the transmission overhauled plus the torque converter and transmission cooler replaced on December 17, 2014 - and has been driven approximately 9k miles since. The work done was paid for by the individual I was going to buy the car from, to the tune of $2325, which included a $150 tow bill. I called Duramax Transmission letting the person who answered the phone know I was thinking about buying the vehicle, and explained the problems it was having. When I gave him the info on the vehicle and customer, he said "oh, I remember them. That was a patch job and wasn't warrantied". I then explained to him that I had both a copy of the receipt for work done, and the credit card slip showing it had been paid for in full. At that time, he amazingly regained his memory, and went down the list of work done, which was the same on the receipt I had in my possession. I asked him if it would be best to have the people take it back in to be repaired before I bought it, or if he would be ok if I brought it in after buying. Before I could finish my question, he said "warranties are not transferable". My reply was, "that's why I am calling in advance". By the way, I have a copy of the warranty in my possession, and it doesn't say one word about it being non transferable, but I didn't even bother approaching that topic with him. I asked if I had the current owner bring it in, would he warranty it. He said "just have the guy call me". I said "so, you will work with him then?", He again said, "just have the guy call me", then immediately hung up the phone. I understand things happen, and things break - what I don't understand is how you can stay in business when you charge so much for your work, then treat someone like I was treated. I would be willing to bet, that by his comment to have the guy call him, he was going to come up with some reason not to cover the repairs under warranty. Great customer service buddy! Not that I was probably going to ever use you myself, but if the occasion ever came up - I definitely wouldn't now. read more

I brought in my 2004 Ininfiti G35 Coupe to this shop to have a clutch and flywheel installed. I also figured I would have the rear main seal replaced while they had the transmission out so I went ahead and asked them to do that as well. Tony, the manager at Duramax, quoted me $550 for the labor and I agreed. They told me it would take about 2 days to get the work done, it ended up being 5. On the day I was expecting to pick up my car, I received a call from Tony. He told me that there was a "a little problem." To replace the rear main seal he would have to drop the oil pan which was going to cost me another $400. I told him I'd rather just go ahead and not have it replaced in that case, however, they had already removed the rear main seal. The only way to get it back in properly was to have the extra work done and nearly double my bill. I felt totally cheated with no recourse. Tony told me he would have the car taken to Nissan down the road for them to finish the job after I mentioned the bill I was now looking at was very close to what I was quoted at Nissan, and I would have rather have taken it there for the service had I known this was going to be the price. He was totally unapologetic and didn't seem to feel like he was in the wrong. Not having much of any other options, I gave in and agreed to pay for them to finish the job, bringing my bill to a whopping $965, all labor. Fine, whatever, it was done and I could have my car back after a week. Not so fast. When the job was finally done and I came in to pick up my car, I immediately noticed that I couldn't shift into reverse, the shifter was not reinstalled properly. Having replaced it myself once before, I knew it was an quick and easy fix, but it did not sit well with me after what I had already been through. Once they had fixed that, I was so happy to have my car back again. It ran well and shifted like a dream. Now it's time to break this baby in. I went for a spirited drive out south, everything seemed to be running smoothly, until I stopped the car. Smoke, everywhere. Oil, all over the ground. I knew immediately they had installed the rear main seal incorrectly, the job they extorted an extra $400 dollars from me with. I made sure to take pictures and video so I could show them when I drove back there in my truck. I told them I wasn't sure how much oil it had lost, but there was no way I was going to drive it back there after seeing that. They towed it to the shop and back on the lift it went. Surprisingly, they didn't try to charge me any more money for having to do the work all over again, but I was without my car for another week. Before I left, I asked what type of oil they had refilled it with, expecting "5W-30," (recommended by Infiniti/Nissan) but was given a vague answer that I don't even remember, so I planned on changing it myself after that. I just wanted to get away from this place. This time when I got it back it was all good, like it should have been the first time. No more oil pools, no more smoke. Great. Six months later, surprise, it's leaking again. I have not contacted the shop again, I don't think they could make this right if they wanted to. I'm pretty much screwed and I'll have to take it somewhere with a mechanic who knows what he's doing and pay another pretty penny for the repair. Moral of the story, don't bring your car to Duramax Transmission in Salem. read more

This shop is my go to for everything my car needs. The employees are great and really nice and helpful! I've referred so many people to them and will most definitely continue to! read more

If there was a no star option I would use it. Took my car in for a transmission rebuild and the experience was sketchy from the beginning. The estimate crept from 2400 to over 2800. The amount of time required was extended by 2 days. I got it back and there was something weird about the way it was shifting which I looked up on line and decided it was likely the torque converter so I took it back. While googling I found that replacing the torque converter is standard on a rebuild, but was not done by Duramax. The owner of the shop did the test drive with me and diagnosed it as being the torque converter and I dropped the vehicle off on a Wednesday. I had been told it would "take a few days" so when I hadn't heard anything by the following Monday I called. I was told by the GM Tony that he would check and get back to me in 15 minutes. He didn't. I called again and was told that they hadn't started, but would the next day. I mentioned that time was important as every day I didn't have the car my wife had to take 2 hours off work to deal with transporting the kids. Called the next day and was told it would be ready, but when I showed up after work I was told that "the wrong part arrived" and that it would be ready the next day. Tony said "I promise." I showed up after work the next day and was told "it happened again (the wrong part arriving)" but if I wanted to wait 45 minutes it would be finished. I could not wait and was told I could pick it up the next morning, which I did. The torque converter issue still was not fixed. I was pretty disgusted by the customer service and apparent incompetence at that point, so I didn't take it right back, wanting to weigh my options. Over the next couple of weeks I started to hear an odd sound that I thought was a worn boot. Took it to a different mechanic and they told me that the transaxle had not been tightly bolted to the frame, which they fixed for about 100.00. I sent the invoice to Duramax. The following week I was accelerating on the highway and when hitting 55 there was a sudden grinding noise that went away but returned when stepping on the gas or starting the engine. Took it back to my new mechanic and was told that the torque converter had not been bolted tightly. This they fixed for about 150.00. At this point I realized that Duramax was not only incompetent but in my case had been dangerously negligent. I wrote to the Better Business Bureau and made a complaint, and began a long and frustrating process of making my case and listening to a long litany of excuses, blame shifting, and some outright fabrications, all written in nearly illegible run-on sentences. In the end they paid for the first repair, refused the second (blaming the new mechanic for missing their mistake), and ignored a separate letter that I sent directly to the owner suggesting that if he personally supervised the work I would trust them to finish the job. I am now forced to take them to small claims. read more