Papa's Dodge - New Britain, CT

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

The most recent reports are at the top of the list; the oldest are at the bottom.

Sales=Poor, Service=Poor, Parts=Good, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Yes,
Granted, this is dated, but from the other comments posted here, Papa's is keeping with tradition.
SALES: first new vehicle, Dodge Power Ram 50. On day of delivery dealer had tacked on service contract, rust proofing, etc. with no consultation with me. Deceptive, manipulative, and just plain dishonest.
SERVICE: Avoid like the plague. I cannot stress enough how awful these guys are. Here are a few examples:
1. The truck would never pass CT emissions. I would take the truck to the dealer, they would take it through emissions, it would pass. Next year...same thing. I asked if I could take it through emissions myself after repair - would not permit that. My guess? They diddled the system to pass, got through emissions, then reset it to be driveable. Crappy product or dishonest service staff or both - you decide.
2. Truck developed a major tick in the engine. Repeated visits did not resolve. Replaced jet valve...noise went away. Noise came back 1.5 years later..took to dealer and explained previous experience...was told "it's just an exhaust leak"...on the way home engine let go (huge smoke cloud, loud ticking) and had to have truck towed back to dealer. Jet valve again replaced.
3. After 5 years engine was ticking again (nice work, service!). Traded the piece of crap in for a Mazda.
My experiences with this dealership were so awful from beginning to end that I have told each and every person I know shopping for a car to avoid this outfit. They are successful - witness their posh new dealership - but it sure isn't built on honest dealing or competent service. Here it is, 15
years later, and my blood pressure still rises when I think about this snakepit. DO NOT PATRONIZE PAPA'S DODGE!
Submitted by: Geoff Butland        geoffrey.butland[a]snet.net
Number of dealership visits=Multiple, Last visit date=1992, Date report submitted: Nov 15 13:07:04 EST 2007

Sales=Fair, Service=Poor, Parts=Fair, bought there=Yes, scv_there=Yes, Buy_DaimlerChrysler_again=Yes,
It's obvious to me and has now been proven over a period of 5 years, that this dealership only cares about moving cars off the lot. The sales department is good at what they do, though they couldn't tell you one thing about the Cummins, the heavy duty trucks as a whole, or anything that a person who truly wants to "Work" their truck would want/need to know. But again, I must stress, the sales people over all are fine. I did buy my previous truck this dealership, but after the positive experience I had at another dealer I will not go back.
The downfall of Papa's Dodge (who is supposed to be a spectacle in itself with a restaurant, small museum, barber shop and aftermarket shop all under the same roof) is its service department. The service writers customer service is so poor that I have yet to find a word to describe them. To start, they greeted me with a "What do you want?? with an angry tone of voice as I walked up to the service counter. They answered the phone while I was explaining the problems my truck was having. I was told to not bother with the work because my truck is out of warranty and he didn't even check first to find out that my truck actually is still covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty! He also said to me that they wouldn't waste their time checking a problem (shudder in the drive line when its loaded). He then began to continue to belittle me until I could take no more. I managed to run into a receptionist who spoke to the head of the service department and she coaxed me into getting this last bit of work done at Papa's. But for sure this will be the last time I get any work done here. The only reason I decided to have the work done at Papa's is because its location is close to my work and would allow me to drop it off with much less hassle, but after all this a 25 minute drive to another dealer will be well worth it.
THERE IS GOOD NEWS THOUGH!! If you need bodywork done, Papa's Body Shop is top notch. You have to go there yourself and schedule an appointment because the body shop is at a different location, which I happened to do right after I left the regular service department and after having the worst dealer experience in my life. When I arrived at the body shop, I was greeted with a smile and a "Hi, what can we do for you today?" and was treated wonderfully. They fixed my door alignment problem perfectly. I worked with two people there and both were extremely friendly, and I told them about my negative experience at the service department back at the dealership. They both basically said, I'm sorry, but that's just how they are over there... that was all I needed to close the door on Papa's Dodge for ever.
Submitted by: T. Cummiskey
Number of dealership visits=2, Last visit date=July 10, 2006, Date report submitted: Jul 10 17:26:00 EDT 2006

Sales=Don't Know, Service=Avoid, bought there=No, scv_there=Yes,
They had my truck for 13 days to change the oil, do a break job and troubleshoot the low brake pedal. They replaced the master cylinder first and that didn't help. Next they called Chrysler because those idiots had no idea what they were looking at...after waiting about 5 days and stringing me along, Chrysler got back to them and told them to change the anti lock brake valves for the rear. Well that took care of it. So after 2 weeks with no ride (they didn't give me a loaner) I picked up my truck (paying almost $1000 for the job!!). They were such jerks, they didn't care about anything I said regarding the fact that they had my truck for 2 weeks, just sitting in the shop...waiting for a reply from Chrysler. The price was the price and that’s it. So, I have had it about 2 weeks now and it has been leaking engine oil and I think it is leaking brake fluid from the right front caliper. Extremely POOR SERVICE!
Number of dealership visits=2, Last visit date=02/2003, Date report submitted: 02 Mar 2003 20:27

Sales=Excellent, Service=Excellent,
Bought my 3500 diesel Ram from Gary Cwickla. Very patient, explained everything. Was back on 4 different occasions to discuss after visiting other dealers. Gary was patient and very thorough. Got a good trade on my old Ram. Truck was ready when promised. No games in the finance office either. They were very professional all the way through. First service was free oil change. I liked their Advantage coupon deal. I have and would recommend this dealer. They have been around for a long time and the owners are there everyday. Down to earth, fun to deal with. A pleasant experience.
Date report submitted: 29 May 2002

Sales=Excellent, Service=Good,
Sales were great, worked on price. Service, had to bring the truck in twice to have a squeak in the front end fixed.
Date report submitted: 20 Mar 2002

Sales=Avoid, Service=Don't Know,
Worst car buying experience ever. Sales staff know nothing about product. Caught salesman Gary Cwikla in multiple lies. I have steered everyone I know away from this dealership (10 sales and counting.)   I love my truck, hate the dealership. I advise EVERYONE to avoid this place!

Dealership Rating:
	Good sales department, good service
	Fair sales, fair service
	Conflicting or not enough information
	Poor Service or Poor Sales Department
	Avoid like the plague!!
	Don't Know or No Experience

This page was edited on: November 21, 2008