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October 2024 by Stephen Weinman
Incredibly bad experience. This business has a Better Business Bureau rating of F.
Updated October 12, 2024. Depositions coming up in our litigation case against Joe Akchayan and Hudson Automotive Repair and Service. This case concerns a large deposit given to Joe Akchayan for equipment and services that were never ordered or performed.
It is quite possible he can do an oil change or tire repair. But in my opinion, nobody should let him near a van conversion. He is NOT Captain Vantastic; he bought some of their equipment.
Our story:
We delivered our new Mercedes Sprinter Van to Joe Akchayan at Hudson Automotive Repair and Service (HAR) in Highland, NY, April 24, 2022. We were first told it would take 4 months, then told 8 months for completion. After 15 months of very little work and multiple fabricated stories and lies, we transferred the van to "Live A Little Vans" in Prospect, Connecticut who removed the little work done by HAR and completed the project in under 3 months.
There were multiple disappointments and outright lies told during the 15 months that Joe Akchayan had our van. Here are a few.
FOUR DAYS before our van was supposed to be completed, I was informed via email that a flood had destroyed our cabinets and other equipment. No proof could be provided of any damaged equipment; it was all gone when I arrived at the shop. There was no proof of a flood other than some insulation hanging from the ceiling and we were told all the equipment was taken by Servpro, but there was no proof of a Servpro visit and there were no photos despite multiple requests that they be taken. Of note, another van done by HAR was supposed to have been involved in a separate flood in 2021. This was reported to Hudson Automotive's insurance company, who called me to confirm my van was involved. My van wasn't at HAR until 2022.
After about ten months I began to be concerned that the $8000.00 Safari Rack and Awning had not arrived. I was told that it had been ordered but could not be delivered because Joe had no forklift to take it off the truck, and the company would not deliver it for that reason. I was told the awning couldn't be ordered until the Safari Rack was delivered. Research by myself revealed that the Safari Rack had never been ordered, the company had no record of Joe Akchayan or HAR, nor did they have a policy of needing a forklift present to deliver a Safari Rack. Despite multiple requests to see proof that the rack was ordered, it was never provided.
Another incident involved our being told a refrigerator that Joe installed didn't work, and he had spent "hours" on the phone with technical support at Norcold attempting to fix it. I took the van to Camping World in Kingston and they quickly figured out the problem was the wiring to the refrigerator was not installed correctly by HAR.
When Live A Little Vans inspected our vehicle, it was determined the windows were not installed properly and were leaking. All windows had to be removed and reinstalled.
We paid over 60% of the van cost up front, so that equipment could be ordered in advance of the build. Only what is shown in the pictures was ordered. Of note, the sofa in the van was taken from another customer's RV, and Joe refused to refund us our deposit, even to get this sofa back.
For anyone considering a van build, it is important to know that the industry standard is between 20 % and 40% of the cost up front for a build, with no more money provided until a pre-determined amount of work has been completed, and 2-4 months completion time.
I own a medical center one mile from Hudson Automotive and am available any time for anyone wanting more information. Since posting this review I have been informed of 3 van conversions and one transmission repair that have had beyond bad experiences with Hudson
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October 2024 by Bob Morrison
Great service, easy to work with
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August 2024 by Noel Kinsley
This business ripped off my boss!!! These aren't stories, I have seen the photos. He isn't the only one who has had a bad experience.
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June 2024 by moire conroy
I would stay away from Hudson Automotive and Joe Ackchayan. He is not honest,
in my experience with him.
I brought Joe my 2012 Subaru Outback in October because the car was shaking at stops. He said it was not the torque converter as was just suggested - but brake booster. Replaced it but car still shaking - replaced throttle body - still shaking.
Fast forward to March- brought car back because I had a credit for the throttle body labor ( he refused to refund the part even though was not needed).
He installed the torque converter wrong, and destroyed my transmission. Less than 50 miles after repair my car broke down in middle of rhinebeck - took it to Ruges and they told me it needed a new transmission.
Took it back to Joe - he emailed me saying it needed a new front pump ( attaches to torque converter from trans) this part was fine and did not need replacing when he made the TC repair.
Had my car a month - I spent 600 in taxis, I also had a family crisis and a knee surgery - very stressful time.
Came in after a month and he refused to take responsibility - said it is the TC fault ( but there was a warranty on both his work, and the part itself)
Said there was metal in differential, said he would send photos of pump . When asked refused to provide any of those.
He totaled my transmission, costing me my beloved Outback , and 9000, not including all the unnecessary repairs, taxis, car rentals. Did not use/ offer his liability insurance to cover the mistake. Suggested I pay him more money for a used transmission instead.
I have filed a complaint with NYS DMV. Please go to Better Business Bureau to read my review.
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May 2024 by Sida Boghos
Finding an honest and reliable mechanic can be like finding a needle in a haystack, but look no further than Hudson Automotive Repair & Service.
From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. Joe went above and beyond to diagnose and fix the issues with my car, and his prices were fair and transparent. What truly sets him apart is his integrity and commitment to customer satisfaction. I felt like he genuinely cared about getting me back on the road safely and didn't try to upsell unnecessary services.
If you're looking for a mechanic you can trust, I highly recommend giving Joe a visit at Hudson Automotive Repair & Service. I will always go to Hudson Automative Repair & Service for car issues in the future!
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May 2024 by Karen Van Leuven
I have been to Hudson Automotive several times for repairs and oil changes. I was completely satisfied with the work and the prices. I was online looking for the shop telephone # to make an appointment ,when noticed and read the reviews ....... I DON'T BELIEVE those reviews to be true. If you want a good and honest mechanic go to Joe. I will be making my appointment on Monday.
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January 2024 by Jeff Logan
Having auto problems? Bring vehicle here and you will have Auto nightmares. Very bad bad man. Tells you what you want to hear. Then does not do work, steals your money. Lies about supply chain problems. Lies to your face. Lies on phone. Lies in text messages. Lies in emails. Will lie and say that’s not my customer. Can’t say enough bad issues with the “business”, must be a reason he is in court with old partner. You make the choice.?I know of three van conversions that have gone wrong at Hudson Automotive Repair and Service or Hudson Automotive Mobility and Conversion, their new name.One is detailed in Stephen Weinman’s review. This conversion ended up in a lawsuit against Joe Akchayan.The other two were people who are too nice to write reviews but that’s not really nice to people who may end up going to Hudson Automotive Repair and Service and have similar experiences.The second van was taken to another conversion center because of multiple problems, and they wouldn’t touch the van, stating the problems with the van were too extensive for them to get involved.The third van was damaged while at Hudson Automotive Repair and Service and when the van owner complained about it, Joe denied having anything to do with the damage and the argument ended up in him keeping some equipment that was hers.
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November 2023 by Sheryl E.
My rv had some defects I took it to Joe to be repaired now my rv is perfect .My car needs to be worked on we will be bringing it to his shop Joe Akchayan and his crew gets 100 gold star from us he is fair with his cost I high recommend him and he is wonderful to due business with
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October 2023 by Amanda Corriera
Joe is absolutely amazing and will go above and beyond to meet your needs. He is polite and you can tell genuinely cares about helping his customers and not trying to rob you for services. Completely satisfied with his work and definitely plan to continue using this shop for the long run! 10/10 would recommend to anyone!!Services: Auto engine diagnostic
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September 2023 by Savannah Sparkle
Had problems with my Honda noises and check engine light, the service writer was very helpful and friendly and got me in immediately definetely recommended if you need repairs done!Services: Air & cabin filter replacement
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May 2023 by Thomas R.
I've been a longtime customer of Captain Vantastic's, I just dropped my new to me car at Joe, to transfer my lift and hand controls. Joe is an absolute pleasure to deal with! Joe like Art is a gentleman. Joe has been so patient answering all of my questions.
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April 2023 by Sheila M.
Treated me and my car so well. Very trustworthy. My van never ran so good and I am so blessed to of found them. I am over a hour away and that drive was definitely worth it.
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February 2023 by Charlie Solidum
Joe is an awesome dude. I ran out of gas near his shop so I came to knock on his door. Not only did he drive me back to my car, he put a gallon in my tank so that I could make it to the gas station. Really solid guy. I’m so grateful!
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November 2022 by Kyla Neghassi-Jordan
Joe is amazing, he has great customer service!
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November 2022 by LaGreta Williams
Having Auto Problems...visit Hudson Automotive Repair and Service. They provide kind, understanding and knowledgeable service with fair prices and great customer service. Ask for Joe. I recommend highly. Thank you for fixing my bumper.
