Stay away. I have used the Saranac location several times and have had poor repairs and they tried to pull a scam on me big time. The first problem was with a van that we had them try to fix an electrical issue with the tail lights burning out bulbs. I paid for it the first time then had to take it back 3 or 4 more times after they said it was fixed. I even paid again another time. There was obviously a short somewhere and they weren't able to even test it to find the problem. They tried to charge me a couple of the other times as well for the same repair. Wasted time, money, and a big inconvenience.
Just recently I brought another vehicle in there on 12/12/2018 due to a shake in the front end. They provided me an estimate after their COMPLETE inspection stating "Drivers front caliper is seized up and has warped the front rotors and pads--Replace front brake calipers, pads, and rotors--brake rotors are very rusted and will need replacement. The calipers are also not moving and will need replacement. Brake fluid is very dark and recommend flush." Then they go on with the inspection notes that say they need to "remove and replace the manifold gasket, replace the spark plugs, replace the wires, replace the thermostat housing, replace the water pump inlet tube, replace the upper radiator hose, and replace the lower radiator hose." The estimate was over $1200.00 for these needed services.
Here is the best part. They told me on the phone that the brake pads on the driver were worn down to the metal and they damaged the rotor. They said the radiator hoses were old and stiff and the engine had an oil leak from the manifold gasket.
The facts are that I had just replaced the rotors myself along with the pads less than 300 miles prior. I also had the van detailed including the engine bay as I was getting it ready to sell.
Another shop (Elite Auto Clinic) had looked at it and did some repairs that were needed unrelated to any of these items on November 2 2018 and came up with no recommendations for any of these items.
So, I questioned the service adviser about these things and told him that the rotors and pads were new, the brake fluid was flushed less than 300 miles ago, the radiator and hoses were replaced within the last year, and there were no leaks from the engine anywhere. Then the lies started as he tried to explain away this bogus inspection. I told him I would pick up the vehicle and to not touch it further. We pick up the vehicle and they give me a bill for $42 for the inspection.
I brought the vehicle back to my business and didn't notice any grinding at all. I took the front drivers side wheel/tire off and as I suspected, the pads were still in perfect shape. The rotors still looked new and there was absolutely no metal on metal contact from the pad to the rotor. I took photos and called the owner to discuss this. I offered to send the photos to him and he stated he wanted to see them as he has never had any problems like this and if what I was saying was true, he would fire the technician. He wanted to do a full investigation and asked if I would show him the vehicle. I told him I would and told him to come to my shop.
Well, he never did come and inspect it. The only thing they had correct was that the front drivers caliper was malfunctioning and needed replacement and the rotor was warped. They quoted me $122 for a caliper plus labor when I spoke to the service adviser 12/12/18 when I asked just for that repair but that it would need a new rotor as well. I knew that it didn't need a new rotor. That price was crazy over inflated as well. I purchased a new caliper for $65 at O'Reiley's and they turned the rotor which had a slight warp in it for $10. They stated that the rotor was still at manufacturers specs and it was completely safe to turn it and there was no need for a new rotor. So for a total of $75 plus tax and an hour of my labor I fixed the original issue. Real Pro Auto buys their parts at a discount so would have paid considerably less than I did and then they mark the parts up to their customers well up over 100% in this case.
The vehicle never needed any of the "recommended repairs" found in the "inspection". It was obvious that they never even removed the front drivers wheel/tire. The pads were not worn. The rotor was not damaged or rusted. They didn't look at the engine as there was no oil on it anywhere. They didn't look at the radiator as it was almost new and so were the hoses that were still black and flexible and were obviously replaced previously and had new clamps on them.
The technician is still working there and so is the service writer. The owner wasn't interested in checking out my vehicle in person. He did have the photos I sent him proving this inspection was bogus and the estimate was bogus but his statement about being so concerned about this matter was all hot air.
If I could give less than 1 star I would. read more
