I'm really disappointed writing this review and very confused by the other glowing reviews Sciaudone's Garage received previously.
I moved to CT a few years ago from PA and have yet to find a garage that will do an oil change that won't cost an arm and a leg and will do it with no problems. I read the reviews on here and thought, "this is it! I finally found the place I can go to."
Listen, I'm a woman. I don't know much about cars. I really depend on people's honesty and integrity when it comes to this stuff so what I experienced today has me really upset.
The owner is very friendly and was happy to take me last minute. He couldn't guarantee an afternoon spot for me so I came in early. They had trouble getting the oil filter cap off (it was stuck) and told me it probably needed to be broken off and replaced just so they could do the job. I found out later that that actually is common for my car (Toyota Corolla) and it probably required a specific tool, which I'm assuming they didn't have or he damaged the cap by accident and used that as an excuse. I don't know. I told them it was fine, thinking the part would be $20.
When he told me my total was 150 bucks my heart sank. How could that possibly be? I usually pay 60-80 bucks for an oil change because my car requires synthetic oil. I'm used to that. Because the cap got stuck, it took longer than usual and I was late for work so I paid it without question and left.
They charged me almost $70 for the oil filter cap which is essentially a plastic piece and available online for about $30. I understand that there are markups, but double the price is outrageous. They also charged me over $10 for "shop supplies." When I called back asking about this, he said it was for "rags and cleaners" and when I told my dad this, he laughed out loud. In his over 60 years of life he had never heard of a shop charging for that.
So, almost $150 bucks later my oil was changed successfully but I will never ever return here. I felt like an idiot and felt like I got taken advantage of. If Sciaudone wants to do right by me and offer a refund, I am happy to update my review... but for now, this is what it is. Avoid this place.
P.S. FYI Don't try to use their online appointment scheduler. I submitted a request and never heard back from them and had to actually call. Not a big deal but slightly annoying. read more