Panaia Clay Pike Service

The only good thing about this car garage is the convenience, as you are able to drop your car off, sit and wait, and it is usually done in a timely manner. I’ve come here a few times over the years, but always felt I was being swindled. We have a regular mechanic who we like and trust, but sometimes it’s tough to get in. So, on a few occasions we have come here out of necessity.
My most recent and last call to Clay Pike Service was due to desperation. My car had been at the dealership for 4 months due to a recall issue and was now in need of inspection. Long overdue. Not wanting to drive around any longer than I had to, I called Clay Pike. I said that I had someone putting on new brake pads and rotors, and all I would need is the inspection and emissions. Also, my car has less than 5,000 miles since the last inspection so I won’t need the emissions test, just the sticker. (same as last year). I’m told that, since it’s been over a year since my last inspection, I will need to pay for the emissions, regardless of the fact that the car has less than 5,000 miles on it. I don’t quite believe him, and tell him so. He says, «well, we’ll have a look at it tomorrow.»
I get off the phone and call two other car garages and ask. Both say, no, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since your last inspection /​emissions, if your car has less than 5,000 miles, it’s exempt, bottom line. Just to be doubly sure and not to make an ass out of myself, I look online and — lo and behold — I find a number for «emissions questions and exemptions» on the DMVs website. I call and am told the same thing. I asked if there’s some place I can find this info online. The guy at the DMV says no, but if my mechanic has an issue, he can call this number.
I call Clay Pike back and tell him what I’ve learned… or rather, confirm that I wasn’t mistaken. I can’t get a straight answer, and he says there’s extenuating circumstances etc. etc. and he’d «take a look at it» when I bring it in the next day. Needless to say, I found another mechanic that could take me right away.
Side note: I asked Clay Pike how much they charge for the sticker and was told $ 25. I’ve never paid over $ 15 anywhere else.

I don’t know much about car repairs, but I do know that when you take a car in for brake repairs, you shouldn’t get the car back in worse shape than when you left it. Generic brakes and pads were installed and we were charged top dollar for it. Found out by taking the car to a dealership for repair. Also, it doesn’t cost $ 40 for a muffler clamp! Very dissatisfied with the mechanic and service at this shop, we were even told don’t worry, you can trust me!!! We will never go here again or recommend this service to anyone else.