AAA DON’T count on it!, Ha ha, being left by the side of the road 18 hours! Options

[Rrrockhound]

I used to swear by AAA. They've helped me and my 911 and 914 a few times. But a little over a year ago the alternator failed in my Golf and a tire went flat simultaneously and it was winter so I said "screw this" and called them. I gave up waiting after 2 hours and found somebody else. AAA called 2 hours after that and said somebody was on the way. I assume it's a pandemic related job market issue and I hope it sorts itself out soon.

[Unobtanium-inc]

I've used AAA for decades but recently ran into a problem and found out some info that quickly explained it. The problem was I was in Mass, not NY where I live. I wanted my truck towed back to NY, where my mechanic is. It was within the 100 miles of AAA+. The Mass AAA people said it would be three days until they would have someone who could do that. They told me to call "MY" AAA. I said, AAA is AAA, right?
It isn't. Apparently AAA offices are franchises so while they agree to work with other AAA offices they don't have to work that hard. I ended up calling "MY" AAA in NY, who sent a truck empty to pick me up. But it took a whole day to make this happen. Had to spend for another day in the hotel, I guess I could have waited in my truck, but it was 10 degrees outside.
So while I used to hold AAA to a high standard, no more, they will leave you hanging.

[930cabman]

What was once, is no longer

[GregAmy]

Apparently AAA offices are franchises so while they agree to work with other AAA offices they don't have to work that hard...

I had a similar issue in PA. Trailering across I-80, the truck "ran out of fuel"* at 1/8 tank and I ended up coasting into a median crossover to get out of traffic. Turns out, after 15 minutes of discussion, I had landed on the exact spot that designated the differences between two franchises...

After more discussions of where I was (actually getting to the level of "was I on the east or west edge of the crossover?") I finally told them that I was on the side that would be tipping a driver $100 if he could get here in 30 minutes with five gallons of diesel.

He got his tip. - GA

*Found out later the bottom of the fuel pickup had broken off...pulling Excursion tanks is a PITA...

[URY914]

I spent 5 hours on I-95 on my way home from the Rolex 24 in February. Loose radiator hose clamp allowed the hose to blow off the intake manifold. AAA membership was canceled shortly after.

[ClayPerrine]

I have a truck and a trailer. If the 914 breaks, we get the trailer and bring it home.

I do the same for all my friends with 914s too.

I don't know about you fellas, but I plan on calling Clay next time I break down (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Ditto, great service Clay!

Unfortunately both Maryland and Colorado are outside my tow range. But if you break down on a trip with me, I will get you home.

[Front yard mechanic]

Lousy service but great 30 minute commercials every Saturday

[VaccaRabite]

I've used AAA many times over the years, though I have not had to call them since 2020. In my area they have always been prompt and good.

Zach

[mgphoto]

There have been many times they showed, broken throttle cable towed from Topanga, broken roll pin in the transmission from Hollywood, broken a arm at the ball joint from Downtown LA, waited and they showed up.
This time 18 hours 50 miles from home, there is a terrible disconnect here.
What if my wife was alone?

[Pursang]

Slightly off topic but in the three plus decades that I have owned my 914, I have only had to be towed twice. I have always had Hagerty and they have been great. They also insure my motorcycle.

[mgphoto]

Slightly off topic but in the three plus decades that I have owned my 914, I have only had to be towed twice. I have always had Hagerty and they have been great. They also insure my motorcycle.

Hagerty $70 AAA $124 guess where I’m going. Maybe the same service but I will be getting screwed less.

[euro911]

I've had AAA for over 15 years and have had good dealings with them. Had many flatbed tows with various vehicles - guess I've been fortunate (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

I remember one time when I need to have my 911 transported from a private garage that I rented to the shop my brother & I started leasing in 2010. The AAA driver showed up, but told me that he wasn't supposed to transport any vehicles that didn't have a motor.

I reasoned with him and he agreed to do it. He even helped push it out of the garage and down a 90° driveway that his flatbed couldn't navigate through.





I spotted him a $20. for being a good sport (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)


Had to have the BB towed from Kent's place to my shop when the hydraulic clutch modification didn't work out as planned (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)




... and when the shift cable end became dislodged on the Cayman one evening.




Up on the lift and 10 minutes later, fixed the problem (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mueba.gif)

[Unobtanium-inc]

I once got a nasty letter from AAA. They said I was abusing the AAA system. My brother and I were in college, flipping watercooled VW's to pay for it all. We used to go to the auctions, buy a wrecked one, have the forklift take it outside the gate, and then call AAA. They eventually said they wouldn't tow a car without current tags, but years ago they didn't care. My record was 9 tows in one year!

[mgphoto]

To add insult to injury a tow truck passed by to take a look, saw the 914, I thought he was going to stop, it was one of the tow companies I was waiting on, had the AAA logo on the side, sized up the car not going to get a big enough tip.

[TomE]

We have had AAA a long time, not even sure when we started. We have great luck with them but lately not so much. They still get there but not near as fast. We have a trailer also but there are times when it is more convenient to use AAA. I have Haggerty on my 81SC, I wasn't aware of their roadside I guess. Only had them for two years now. I will check that out.