Nicholas Mucha

sreelesh sathianandan

Apr 22, 2026

Google

Parts Markup Is Outrageous — Get Multiple Quotes Before You Approve Anything I had two very different experiences at Lia Toyota of Colonie, and while one was excellent, the other was bad enough that I will never return for non-warranty work. Experience 1 — Transmission Replacement (March 2026): Positive My 2017 Highlander qualified for the ZJC Customer Support Program (transmission and torque converter replacement covered by Toyota North America). Nicholas Mucha was my service advisor, and he was great. I also requested front lower control arms at the same time, and Nick calculated the labor incrementally since there's significant overlap between the two jobs — fair and smart. He even arranged Uber rides to and from the dealership. Labor rates were high, but the service and communication were solid. No complaints about Nick. Experience 2 — Starting Issue Diagnosis & Repair (April 22, 2026): Never Again My Highlander was having hard-start issues. I brought it back to Lia since they had just done the transmission replacement weeks earlier. I was charged an $89.98 diagnosis fee, which was reasonable. Their technician found that the negative battery terminal had a screw in it and would not tighten properly. Here's the problem: this battery terminal area was absolutely disturbed during the transmission replacement they performed just weeks earlier. Yet instead of taking responsibility, they quoted me $416.76 for the battery terminal repair — bringing the full estimate to $506.74 before tax ($547.28 with tax which includes the parts, the diagnosis fee and labor to install the terminal). The parts alone — a battery sensor assembly and holder (part numbers 28850-0P010 and 28859-0P010) — were quoted at $326.78. I decided to check pricing myself. I ordered the exact same genuine OEM Toyota parts from Aubrey Alexander Toyota in Selinsgrove, PA — shipped to my door for $168.88 total. That's the same parts Lia quoted me $326.78 for — nearly double. Let that sink in: another authorized Toyota dealer sells the exact same genuine parts for half of what Lia charges. What makes it worse — the battery terminal issue almost certainly stems from Lia's own transmission work weeks earlier. The battery has to be disconnected and the terminal area handled during a transaxle replacement. Now I'm paying out of pocket to fix something that was likely disturbed during their service. My advice: Use Lia for warranty or recall work where Toyota NA is paying — the service team is capable For anything out-of-pocket, get quotes from other dealers before you approve Aubrey Alexander Toyota sells and will ship genuine OEM parts at fair prices There are plenty of qualified independent mechanics in the Capital District — you don't need to pay Lia's markup Fool me once, shame on you. There won't be a twice.

sreelesh sathianandan

Apr 22, 2026

Google

Parts Markup Is Outrageous Get Multiple Quotes Before You Approve Anything I had two very different experiences at Lia Toyota of Colonie, and while one was excellent, the other was bad enough that I will never return for non-warranty work. Experience 1 Transmission Replacement (March 2026): Positive My 2017 Highlander qualified for the ZJC Customer Support Program (transmission and torque converter replacement covered by Toyota North America). Nicholas Mucha was my service advisor, and he was great. I also requested front lower control arms at the same time, and Nick calculated the labor incrementally since there's significant overlap between the two jobs fair and smart. He even arranged Uber rides to and from the dealership. Labor rates were high, but the service and communication were solid. No complaints about Nick. Experience 2 Starting Issue Diagnosis & Repair (April 22, 2026): Never Again My Highlander was having hard-start issues. I brought it back to Lia since they had just done the transmission replacement weeks earlier. I was charged an $89.98 diagnosis fee, which was reasonable. Their technician found that the negative battery terminal had a screw in it and would not tighten properly. Here's the problem: this battery terminal area was absolutely disturbed during the transmission replacement they performed just weeks earlier. Yet instead of taking responsibility, they quoted me $416.76 for the battery terminal repair bringing the full estimate to $506.74 before tax ($547.28 with tax which includes the parts, the diagnosis fee and labor to install the terminal). The parts alone a battery sensor assembly and holder (part numbers 28850-0P010 and 28859-0P010) were quoted at $326.78. I decided to check pricing myself. I ordered the exact same genuine OEM Toyota parts from Aubrey Alexander Toyota in Selinsgrove, PA shipped to my door for $168.88 total. That's the same parts Lia quoted me $326.78 for nearly double. Let that sink in: another authorized Toyota dealer sells the exact same genuine parts for half of what Lia charges. What makes it worse the battery terminal issue almost certainly stems from Lia's own transmission work weeks earlier. The battery has to be disconnected and the terminal area handled during a transaxle replacement. Now I'm paying out of pocket to fix something that was likely disturbed during their service. My advice: Use Lia for warranty or recall work where Toyota NA is paying the service team is capable For anything out-of-pocket, get quotes from other dealers before you approve Aubrey Alexander Toyota sells and will ship genuine OEM parts at fair prices There are plenty of qualified independent mechanics in the Capital District you don't need to pay Lia's markup Fool me once, shame on you. There won't be a twice.

Colleen Waters

Jan 30, 2026

Google

Nick was very kind and informative. Very professional explaining what was needed for my car.

Ahmadullah Arian

Jan 29, 2026

Google

I just want to give a huge shoutout to Amanda and Kayla for going above and beyond with their customer service. I called at the very last minute when they were already closed, and they were still incredibly patient, kind, and helpful They took the time to answer all of my questions and made sure I was 100% satisfied. That level of care really means a lot. Also, Nick is hands down my favorite service advisor. He always makes sure my car is taken care of properly and never misses a detail. Hes reliable, professional, and truly the best. Highly recommend this place because of people like them!

Arian

Jan 29, 2026

Google

I just want to give a huge shoutout to Amanda and Kayla for going above and beyond with their customer service. I called at the very last minute when they were already closed, and they were still incredibly patient, kind, and helpful They took the time to answer all of my questions and made sure I was 100% satisfied. That level of care really means a lot. Also, Nick is hands down my favorite service advisor. He always makes sure my car is taken care of properly and never misses a detail. Hes reliable, professional, and truly the best. Highly recommend this place because of people like them!

mvenuti2

Dec 5, 2025

DealerRater

Service advisor Nicholas Mucha, along with the service technicians, continue to provide outstanding customer service and vehicle support. I appreciate their attention to detail as well as providing information about upcoming maintenance needs.

mvenuti2

Dec 4, 2025

DealerRater

Service advisor Nicholas Mucha, along with the service technicians, continue to provide outstanding customer service and vehicle support. I appreciate their attention to detail as well as providing information about upcoming maintenance needs.

Mv

Nov 4, 2025

Cars.com

Service advisor, Justin Cole at Lia Toyota provided both a professional and comprehensive care of my 2011 Highlander. I appreciate his courteous approach and willingness to listen to and address my concerns. Thanks

annahsingh23

Aug 21, 2025

DealerRater

Very fast and efficient service . Service advisor Justin Cole was very friendly and kept me in loop about my car while it was being serviced.

jfmatuszek

May 6, 2025

DealerRater

Had the very best experience at the Lia Toyota dealership- all the staff were very courteous. Justin Matuszek made sure my truck was completed on time and to my satisfaction. Thank you Justin and all the staff.