Complaint Review: Paul Conte Cadillac

I took my car to Paul Conte Cadillac for the annual NY State Inspection and a quotation for repair of a minor transmission leak.  The seepage was so minor, that the dealership probably would not even have noticed it, if I did not point it out to them.  But my car is kept immaculate so I wanted a quotation.

I dropped off the car in the early morning and went to work.  They called me that afternoon.  In a very degrading tone of voice (like they were talking to an ignorant child), the technician said "The transmission fluid can get on the exhaust pipes and create a fire.  You cannot drive this car until this is repaired."  And proceded to quote $650 for the repair.

I knew this was totally bogus, bcause I know a bit about cars and do minor repairs and oil changes myself.  I told them to do the NY State Inspection only.  When I went to pick up the car after work, they failed it !!!

I have 2 brothers who are in the automotive repair industry, one who is licensed to do State Inspections.  They both immediately informed me that Conte Cadillac was trying to rip me off.  The independent repair shop who checked and passed my car for Inspection the next day also said that Conte Cadillac was trying to rip me off.  The car should never have been failed.

Reports to the Better Business Bureau and the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have been initiated.

Additional information:  I bought the replacement Seal and Nut for $42, and it took my brother 1.5 hours of labor to replace.  The $650 which they tried to charge me was outrageous.

A word of advice:  NEVER use this dealership for service or repairs.  They prey on the fears and "lack-of-mechanical-knowledge" of their customers, many who may be Senior Citizens. 

Please spread the word to NEVER use this Service Department.