I wanted to begin my review by acknowledging that a Chrysler Crossfire is not a common sight. If you're not familiar, this is a rear wheel drive coupe manufactured by Chrysler primarily with Mercedes SLK components. This vehicle had a limited run, and I most definitely understand that not every dealership may have the same level of familiarity. With that being said, it does not excuse the lack of honesty and respect that I experienced here at this facility.
To begin the story, I reached out to Suresky in October 2018 in regards to a no-start issue with my car. I was put through to the Service Department, where Doug assured me that my vehicle could be assessed as they have experience with Crossfires. I was told that their standard protocol is to first perform a 1 hour diagnostic test, totaling $130.00. I was also assured that I would be notified after this was completed, to discuss their findings and to also confirm if I wanted to proceed with a potential fix. My car was towed in that evening with promise it would be looked at the next day.
After a few days of silence, I called and left a voicemail for the Service Department asking for them to return my call with an update. Unfortunately, I was given the runaround for the majority of that week. That is until Doug contacted me, and advised that they are very busy and hopefully it will be looked at soon.
At the end of the week on Friday, I received an interesting phone call from Jason L. First, he told me that the diagnostic process took longer than anticipated; 4 hours total to be exact equaling $520.00. This is not the "standard protocol" that was reiterated to me before my vehicles arrival. In fact, I was never notified that more diagnostic time was needed. Mind you, asking for payment on unauthorized work is an illegal action as per the NY Department of Motor Vehicles:
"A shop may not perform any services unless you give your permission."
"If the DMV investigation indicates the shop violated the Repair Shop Act or regulations, DMV will either send a warning letter to the shop or schedule a hearing. If a hearing determines there were violations, DMV will take action against the shop. This may include suspending or revoking the shop's registration and/or imposing fines."
After I am told about the diagnostic fee, Jason says that the news on my car "isn't good." It's showing code 207108- a security system issue. According his mechanic, the skreem module, key fobs, powertrain control module, relay control module, and the lock cylinder will need to be replaced. The total cost just in parts? $5,496.00
Shocked at this fix, I asked Jason why all of those components need to be replaced. He tells me "All of these parts work in unison within the security system, and must be replaced at the same time in order for your car to start." To me, this sounds like a sad attempt a shotgun diagnosis. Although I know that I would never agree to this fix, I tell him that I'll have to think about it. At this point, it's 10AM and he begins rushing me to make a quick decision by saying "I need to know by noon today so I can order the parts from Germany! We can have it by early next week!" I'm still not convinced at this point and he recognizes it. That's when his tone changes and he says "I'm soooo sorry sweetie. But I hope you realize that nobody wants to buy a car that doesn't run."
Sweetie? Using my name, Emily, would have been sufficient. Not that it could make that asinine statement sound any less patronizing.
The weekend is over, and my dad and I drive to the dealership on that Monday with plans to tow my car out. We are immediately met in the parking lot by Jason. He recaps the situation again, and I finally tell him that I'm not interested in fixing my car. I told him that I would pay the 1 hour diagnostic fee of $130.00 and leave. He immediately became defensive and told me that I have to pay for 4 hours of work. My dad also told him that 1 hour is fair, since that's what I confirmed. He blurted out "Well my mechanic needs to be paid!" and then proceeded to stomp away yelling "That's it, I'm calling the police right now!"
The owner, Joseph Suresky, heard the commotion from inside and immediately came out to see what was going on. I calmly explained the situation in great detail, and ultimately he agreed that it is wrong to force me to pay for unauthorized work. He had the front desk make me a bill to reflect payment of $130.00. After I paid, Mr. Suresky advised that he didn't think it could be fixed, because there is no way around replacing the whole security system. I thanked him for his time and left.
I'm delighted to share that after some persistence, my car is back on the road. This "sweetie" figured out what part needed to be replaced. Suresky CDJR, feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to share all of the great information I learned through YouTube.
Suresky fix: $5,496.00 parts + $520.00 diagnostic + labor= over $6,000.00
Actual fix: $600.00 total read more