I do wonder if some of the “premium” reputation is just nostalgia at this point.
Funny you mention that—I've been thinking the same. I used to recommend AAA to clients without hesitation, but lately, I've heard more mixed reviews than ever. Personally, my last roadside call took almost two hours, which was a first for me. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw, or maybe the industry’s stretched thinner these days. Either way, I’m not convinced the old “gold standard” label really fits anymore.
Not just you. I remember when AAA felt like having some sort of secret VIP pass—flash the card, and help magically appeared before you could even finish your coffee. Lately, it’s more like waiting for a tow truck at the DMV. Last time my old Mustang decided to take a nap on the side of the highway, I had enough time to scroll through half of Craigslist and question my life choices before anyone showed up.
Maybe we’ve all just gotten used to instant everything, but it definitely feels slower than it used to. Could be nostalgia talking, but back in the day, AAA was right up there with duct tape and WD-40—always reliable. Now? Feels like they’re running on classic car parts too... slow and a little unpredictable.
Yeah, I totally get what you mean. Used to feel like AAA was this magic safety net—now it’s more like rolling the dice. I had a flat tire last winter and waited almost two hours, which never used to happen. Do you think it’s just more people using the service now, or maybe they’re stretched too thin? I’m wondering if other roadside assistance companies are any better these days, or if it’s just how things are now.
Used to feel like AAA was this magic safety net—now it’s more like rolling the dice.
- Been with AAA for 20+ years. Used to get a truck out in 30-40 minutes, even in the middle of nowhere.
- Last summer, my '67 Mustang overheated at a local show. Waited almost three hours. Dispatcher said they were “short-staffed.”
- Heard from other car folks that Allstate and Good Sam aren’t much faster lately.
- Guessing it’s a combo of more calls and fewer drivers. Pandemic probably didn’t help.
- Honestly, I keep my own basic tools now just in case. Feels weird after relying on AAA for so long...
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing. Used to be you’d call AAA and they’d show up before you even finished your coffee. Now, it’s a total gamble—sometimes quick, sometimes hours. I had my ’72 Chevelle stall out last fall, and it was almost two hours before anyone showed. Dispatcher blamed “driver shortages” too.
I’ve started carrying a small toolkit and a jump pack, just in case. Never thought I’d have to go back to the basics after all these years with AAA, but here we are. Honestly, I’m not sure any of the other roadside services are much better right now. Seems like everyone’s struggling with staffing and demand.
Kind of makes me miss the days when you could just flag down a passing car and folks would actually stop to help... Not sure if that’s just nostalgia talking or things really have changed that much.
