Lia Toyota of Colonie Reviews
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Title: Parts Markup Is Outrageous Get Multipl Posted On: 4/22/26 Review For: Rating: 
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| Summary: 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. |
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Title: Slow service and ALWAYS up charging. Yo Posted On: 4/22/26 Review For: Rating:
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| Summary: Slow service and ALWAYS up charging. You go in for an oil change any they try to convince you to spend a grand on preventative nothings. They should spend more time fixing cars and less time trying to find reasons for you to spend more money. I won't be returning and recommend others who appreciate good honest service to avoid this dealership. |
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Title: Kelly Pagano was wonderful! Posted On: 4/20/26 Review For: Kelly Pagano Rating: 
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| Summary: Kelly Pagano was wonderful! |
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Title: Brent Livingston was very knowledgeable Posted On: 4/19/26 Review For: Brent Livingston Rating:
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| Summary: Brent Livingston was very knowledgeable and helpful. Made things very easy to purchase exactly what I wanted at a good value. Thanks again, much appreciated |
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Title: Kelly Pagano helped us find the perfect Posted On: 4/19/26 Review For: Kelly Pagano Rating:
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| Summary: Kelly Pagano helped us find the perfect car. Thank you for your professionalism! |
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Title: I like Art when he helps me. Posted On: 4/16/26 Review For: Art Palazzolo Rating:
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| Summary: I like Art when he helps me. |
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Title: Justin Cole was very helpful Posted On: 4/15/26 Review For: Justin Cole Rating:
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| Summary: Justin Cole was very helpful |
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Title: Crista G, saleswoman for Lia Toyota, wa Posted On: 4/15/26 Review For: Rating:
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| Summary: Crista G, saleswoman for Lia Toyota, was very personable and truly listening and meeting all my requests. She was there to assist me in my purchase and was kept me aware of the process. She was very professional and very capable salesperson and did this in a calm and not being pushy at all . It was a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed the process from start to finish. Thank You Crista, John B. |
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Title: I recently purchased a new car at Lia w Posted On: 4/14/26 Review For: Kelly Pagano Rating:
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| Summary: I recently purchased a new car at Lia with Kelly Pagano, Sales & Leasing Consultant. Kelly was courteous, professional and very knowledgeable. I did not feel pressured by him at all. He gave a very thorough review of the many features that the car had. Top notch. |
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Title: My son made an appointment, took time o Posted On: 4/11/26 Review For: Rating:
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| Summary: My son made an appointment, took time off of work, to see a 2019 Toyota RAV4 at Lia Toyota. He drove 2 hours for the appointment to see the vehicle and they sold the car and never called him to let him know they sold it. Not good business practice. |
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