Central Auto Inc

I usually get my vehicle's NYS inspection done at the local repair shop near where I live. But one day while passing by this Mobile Gas station, I saw a bright LED display showing "NY INSPECTION $37 GET $3 LOTTO FREE." My car was due for inspection, so I figured I'd give this place a try and get a free $3 lotto ticket in the process. I later regretted this decision when I was charged $200. Here's how the story began. I went to the shop, and the female owner greeted me. I asked her if the LED advertisement offer was still available. She replied yes, but only for old customers. She then asked me to park my car in the shop and leave the car keys inside the car, which I did. She also asked for my vehicle registration so that she could check the database to see if I had ever brought my car there for service. She wasn't able to look up any data regarding my new car and asked me if I had any other plates in the past. According to her, any data over 6 years would not be shown. I then gave her my previous plate, and this time she was able to find that I had brought my car in once before. She told me I was eligible for the free lottery ticket after the inspection was complete. I waited a while, and the mechanic came in and gave us the inspection report: front windshield wipers need to be replaced. He also said something else was broken but needed more time to examine it. The female owner then asked me to go eat lunch first and come back in 40 minutes. I came back after 40 minutes, and she then told me that in order to help me pass the NYS inspection, they had to change out the windshield wipers, install a new air filter and cabin air filter. The total for the inspection, wipers, filters, and labor would cost $220. I was furious at this time and asked why they performed the work without my approval. "You guys could have just failed me for $10, and I could have gone back to my regular shop," I said. She then said that if she didn't do those repairs, the inspection would have failed, and they were doing me a favor. I replied, "Then you should have just let it fail and give me the reasons. I could have gotten those parts and replaced them myself." She responded, "Don't be mad, I'll give you a discount." The new total was $200. I didn't want to spend more time arguing; I just thought of it as a $167 lesson. She then asked me to sign two receipts, which I did. I also paid $200 in cash, got my $3 free lotto, and left with a grudge. After returning home, I took a closer look at the receipt and it stated "CUSTOMER APPROVES CHANGE and CUSTOMER REQUESTS NEW WIPERS." At this point, I felt scammed because I never approved any of these easily completed tasks that I could have done myself by looking at YouTube. I don't usually write Google reviews, but this time I strongly feel that I have to share my experience so that you guys won't fall into the greed of thinking there's a free $3 lotto ticket. I will never come back to this shady place for NYS inspection ever again and want to warn the world about this shop.

Apr 13, 2024 · David Huang

Had my minivan DMV inspected easily. They are a small shop so may seem slow to respond, but they do what they promise in simple ways. The bad reviews of others appear to be cultural differences, misunderstandings. They just have Asian style approach to customer service.

May 17, 2023 · Charles Chen

Went in for an inspection and discovered that my two parking light bulbs in my bumper needed to be replaced. They looked at all the lights before they did all the other checks. Then they entered the info in the computer instead of just telling me a couple bulbs were out. Then they quoted me $18 each to fix and pass inspection! When I told them I happened to have extras in my glove box they said they would charge me $10. I went to install them myself and put one in within 20 seconds. When I went to put the second one in they yelled and pulled my car out saying there were other people waiting. I put the second bulb in and had to wait for them to resume the inspection. They charged me $10 for me replacing my own bulbs. Super sleazy.

Oct 30, 2021 · A Mueller

🚫🚫🚫DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! Really bad service and bad attitudes! they wanted to replace my window tints since for them were to dark. My window tints are the same from factory. $100 to remove legal tints to pass inspection. WHAT A SCAM!!! 🚫🚫🚫

Dec 15, 2022 · Omar J Gutierrez

This has been my trusted auto repair shop for the past 20+ years. I get my safety inspection and other repairs here. The prices have always been fair and I get good quality work. Find a garage you trust and stick with it.

Apr 23, 2025 · John Chu

DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! Really bad service and bad attitudes! Only filled air for three tires of my car, skip one becoz he said he couldn’t open the cap🤷‍♀️ What kind of a repair shop is it?! And he charged me for $5! I asked a receipt for showing what he did,he gave me a blank paper with date on it at first🙄 ,then he gave me this RECEIPT which I asked again. It proved that he didn’t check ANYTHING but fill the air. Compared to other people it’s not a lot of money, but it’s completely rip off. Dissatisfied with his service at all! 黑店 不管大修小修 甚至小檢查 都不要去. 坑錢.

Apr 18, 2018 · RJ