| Author |
Message |
Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
New member
Username: Pupz308
Post Number: 37
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 06, 2003 - 8:04 pm: | |
AAA for me was a nice service to handle logistics when I broke down on I-25. They sent a flatbed within an hour. I don't have the plus--so it's some trivial 3 or 4 miles, then the rest you bend over and take it hard.
Fortunately, I pay $6 per year for Roadside Assistance on my State Farm insurance. Basically reimburses for towing. That $200 tow bill two months ago? They cut a check for me in the office. Best $6 insurance I ever bought. Just get all the documentation you can.
I've already covered the cost of the card with discounts. Hotel discounts are significant. I was at Jiffy Lube (oil change in my 87 SAAB, mind you!) and I got another 10% off--good thing the cashier saw the card in my wallet!
I agree, though, that getting Plus was what I should have done and will do when I renew. In the end, when your F-car has some episode along the highway, and you've got your cell phone, you do NOT want to be calling around finding tow numbers, services, rates, times, etc. AAA made the experience that much, ah, miserable ;).
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Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member
Username: Mlemus
Post Number: 1224
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 05, 2003 - 10:59 am: | |
"I have AAA. However, I have "AAA PLUS" which allows unlimited (within reason) miles for towing. If you're going to get AAA, get the Plus."
AAA plus is 100 miles MAX towing. |
martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member
Username: Mw360
Post Number: 733
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 04, 2003 - 6:45 pm: | |
Hans,
No free towing.Would you consider a frontal lobotomy? |
Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 717
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 11:40 pm: | |
Martin: Does my liver get free towing? |
martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member
Username: Mw360
Post Number: 732
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 8:31 pm: | |
Hans,
If you get AA Plus you get a bonus of 2 steps making it a 14 step program. |
Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Junior Member
Username: Qferrari
Post Number: 174
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 3:44 pm: | |
I agree, well worth it...I also agree, get the 'AAA Plus'.
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Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Member
Username: Iluv4res
Post Number: 290
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 10:40 am: | |
Bob, yes, unfortunately, it gets towed often. It has 156k miles on it. Usually stupid stuff-Last time it was the fuel injection module. Sometimes more serious stuff -Before that, the flywheel broke & went through the bell housing.
The problems only began once I brought it to Toyota for a 'head gasket recall'. See my responses in the 'ranting & raving about service'.
They tore it apart to 'fix' something and it was like humpty-dumpty (no-one can seem to put it back together properly again!).
AAA has been worth it. Thanks Toyota Service Department!! |
David White (Dwhite)
Junior Member
Username: Dwhite
Post Number: 90
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 9:04 am: | |
Sorry for not clarifing, it was a waterpump belt. Started squeeling then just melted. I had shut the moter down instantly(not even a temp change), just the fun of sitting on the side of the road waiting for the flatbed. The dealer said faulty belt, I was there when they pulled it - honestly I think they forgot to fully tighten a pipe which was possibly rubbing on the belt. They were very appologetic. |
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 2157
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 8:41 am: | |
you had a belt go one day after a major - that sucks but I guess it happens. Did they rebuid the engine for you?? |
David White (Dwhite)
Junior Member
Username: Dwhite
Post Number: 89
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 03, 2003 - 8:36 am: | |
I have it. It is great if you get the plus plan. They will tow you up to 100 miles as stated in an earlier post. They send flatbeds, had my car towed back to my garage after a belt crapped out 1 day after a major service, by a dealer. They have saved me with the British cars. I recommend it. |
Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member
Username: Originalsinner
Post Number: 849
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 8:41 pm: | |
I have the + plan.I think they tow you anywhere up to 100 miles with this plan.Which gets me to an fcar dealer most of the time.If not home for sure.
I think it's worth it.Plus there is lock outs,run out gas,flats etc. |
BobD (Bobd)
Member
Username: Bobd
Post Number: 887
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 5:55 pm: | |
Fred, you have a 4Runner that gets towed once per year??? You need to fill-up with gas more often! Those things don't break.... why are you getting towed??? If it was Horsefly/Arlie's Chevy pick-up, I could understand it.... but a Toyota??? It must have 300,000 miles on it??? |
Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 708
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 5:27 pm: | |
I heard that their 12 step program is a b!tch. Plus, I hate having to stand up in front of everyone and confess. Their lectures *will* drive you to drink. |
Rodney Haas (Icars)
Junior Member
Username: Icars
Post Number: 92
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 2:08 pm: | |
I have used AAA (PLUS) for years. We probably average 3 tows per year. All you need to do is tell them they are towing a Ferrari. Tell them it requires a Flat Bed. While you may have to wait an hour or so, they will send a flat bed.
The only problem I have ever had is in California, AAA did not answer their .. phone. I ended up calling a local wrecker, he towed me from 101 to Carmel $160, oh yah wanted cash.
I bitched loudly to AAA when I got back home. AAA reinbursed me with no problem.
The short answer it's well worth it.
Rodney |
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 2142
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 2:06 pm: | |
there is a new service - like 1 800 tow or something like that. In fact I thought of the concept a few years ago - since we all have cell phones now it works like this. set up an 800 number for towing - anyone can call when they are stuck. They tell you their location and you call a local towing service. it is really no diff than aaa but instead you charge a 10 dollar arraingment fee and they pay the towing service ( a regulated industry) when the guy shows up. To me this gets rid of the annual fee which people do not want to pay and only requires a cost when used. |
Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Member
Username: Iluv4res
Post Number: 287
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 1:59 pm: | |
I have AAA. However, I have "AAA PLUS" which allows unlimited (within reason) miles for towing. If you're going to get AAA, get the Plus.
Since my 4Runner has been towed by them at least 1x per year, I think it's a good deal. I think it costs $55-75 per year. Every time I was towed, they sent a flat-bed, but you need to request it. In addition, if you need a flatbed, you may have to wait at your car for a while.
AAA itself isn't impressive (ie call center reps). However, it's been useful to have the service.
Also, if you go away from home, it's nice to know you're not going to get screwed when a driver pulls up and sees an F-car. |
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 2138
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 12:48 pm: | |
don't have it but may limit flatbed avail and sometimes the flatbeds can be used on ferrari, may not tow you to dealer etc - read fineprint. |
Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member
Username: Tillman
Post Number: 274
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 02, 2003 - 12:45 pm: | |
Just curious if anyone has a AAA membership and you opinions of their service. Thanks |