Briarcliff Auto Repair Center

STAY AWAY, STAY FAR FAR AWAY.
I agree with the previous post. The previous owner was great and did great work. The new owner will scam you.
I had my car towed there for repairs when it stopped running. They provided a (supposed) diagnosis and nearly $ 1,200 later it still wouldn’t run. They claimed they had no idea why.
I began doing my own research and quickly ran across a Technician Service Bulletin for this exact problem. Now, keep in mind they have access to all of these Bulletins and their JOB is to research and do their due diligence, especially when the problem seems very out of the ordinary, which this was. IF they had done so, it would’ve saved me the excessive cost of taking it to ANOTHER shop to repair the damages THEY caused, not to mention the extra tows involved. I later consulted two other mechanics and they both verified that Briarcliff should have done a search on it and would have easily found it before proceeding with the repairs. One mechanic was already aware of the problem as they have already made several of the same repairs. I presented MY research to Briarcliff and they were clueless. The TSB is clear, even I (who knows very little about cars) understood it. It was an obvious problem as there had been no less than 3 bulletins issued on this exact issue. Because they did not do their research, all of the work they did was negated. All of the warranties on the brand new parts were no longer good (and keep in mind these parts were NEVER USED and were brand new in the vehicle). Because of their negligence, my computer module was damaged beyond repair and had to be completely replaced. Had they done things correctly, I could have had it rebuilt for significantly less money (because it is expensive to program it and it must be towed to the dealer to do so, rebuilding would have avoided all of this). Bottom line, their negligence has cost me an additional $ 1000 plus. They were demanding no less than an additional $ 600 to repair THEIR mistakes, not including the cost of the computer module and the tow/​programming of it (an additional $ 800 plus). They actually wanted me to pay for the exchange of the new parts that THEY screwed up (for more new parts)! They claim none of this is their fault, well, guess what, it is.
They also charged me for additional labor that I was not aware of for «diagnosing» AFTER they «repaired» my car and caused further damage ON TOP OF the massive amount of labor they initially overcharged me to begin with (I verified this with 2 independent mechanics and 3 dealers). They didn’t provide details on what was done on the receipt, they just tacked on two $ 75 charges and charged my credit card. Not to mention they demanded payment in full before my car was running (and it never ran for them again) and held my damaged computer module (in essence) hostage until I paid him more money. I had to send that computer off for repairs and eventual replacement.
When they were notified that I was having the car towed to another mechanic (after this nightmare and TWO MONTHS of being without my car, I didn’t want them to touch it again), they refused to release it claiming that I still owed them for ADDITIONAL labor! Though, conveniently, they didn’t have an amount or an invoice for it and couldn’t provide the dates of service, etc. I had the copy of the receipt showing paid in full (plus, the receipt didn’t match what they charged me, they clearly overcharged me). It took several phone calls, a couple of yelling matches and THEN threatening to bring APD on-​site to force them to release it, they finally relented and let it go.
Bottom line, I would NEVER trust this shop to do any sort of legitimate repairs and they are DEFINITELY NOT CLIENT FRIENDLY. I don’t appreciate being yelled at because THEY screwed up big time.
I have consulted an attorney and will be filing a claim as well as complaints with the BBB and the Attorney General. That is how bad this is.

i have done business with this shop for over 4 years. the previous owner was very nice and did great work and if a mistake was made he would gladly fix it. the new owner Rick does not have a great friendly attitude. when i pay full retail price (which i never ask for a discount) i expect a full retail job. my clutch had a mal-​function and it had to be towed to the shop. what i don’t expect when i get it back is clutch fluid all over the inside of my engine compartment. i also don’t expect the owner to argue about his mechanic not cleaning up after himself. i will never go back and never recommend this to anyone in the neighborhood

Great, honest mechanic! Take your car troubles away.