Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2000 14:33:28 -0700
Reply-To: Richard Ferguson <fergusrh@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Ferguson <fergusrh@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Finding a Good Repair Shop
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I am also frustrated by this situation here in Richmond, Va. Both local
independent VW shops have proved themselves untrustworthy. I am left to
find another shop that does different kinds of foriegn cars as well,
(some of these, however, will not work on a Wasserboxer), or go to the
dealer. My problem needs a specific diagnosis and is power related... I
am dreading going into this as the expense for my beloved vanagon is
becoming chronic...even my gf now wants me to get a different vehicle.
Is the dealer going to be all that bad???
Any advice or recommendations for shops in the Richmond area will be
appreciated,
Rick
85 Westie 2.1 upgrade
--- Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET> wrote:
> good points, mark. I have basically one choice here in Hilo...
> Bear's VW.
> Fortunately, Bear is a very nice guy and his shop does good, and, for
> the
> most part, reasonably priced service. At least they know what
> they're
> doing.
> There isn't even a VW dealership on this side of the island! But
> then, in
> some ways, maybe that's a good thing.
>
> Mick Kalber
> 89 Syncro Westy "Daddy-O"
> Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
> 62 Halaulani Place Hilo, Hawaii 96720
> ph. 808-935-5557 fax 808-935-0066
> hotlava@interpac.net
> www.volcanoscapes.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On
> Behalf
> Of Mark Drillock
> Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2000 10:29 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Finding a Good Repair Shop
>
>
> I have to disagree on some of this. Some of the cleanest shops I have
> used did crappy work or even cheated me. Some of my best long term
> relationships were with shops that could be called messy or ugly.
> Shops
> that have been in the same place a very long time are in older
> buildings
> and have many years of residue built up. This should hardly
> disqualify
> them. The newest guy on the block will have the cleanest shop but no
> way
> does that mean he will do the best job. His rent may be higher and he
> may have recent investments he is looking to recover quickly. It all
> boils down to the guys doing the work. I have had guys I trusted for
> several years sell to new owners and the shop's work went down hill.
> I
> have listened to owners brag about the qualifications and
> certifications
> of the mechanics only to see short cuts and overcharging. The advice
> to
> talk to the guys and get a gut feeling is the best advice IMHO.
> Referrals are ok but some people can't tell that they have been
> screwed
> or rave about a place they only used once several years back. Places
> with service writers tend to charge more and bump up the cost of the
> job
> as it goes as the mechanic finds other problems. An owner who
> actually
> does some of the work is preferable in my experience. The trick is to
> find an honest guy and let him know that you will reward good work
> with
> future business. John is right that shopping for a low hourly rate is
> counter productive. Quality costs money.
>
> Mark
>
> John Wessels wrote:
> >
> > Hello Volks,
> >
> > It amazes me this list. There is so much available information and
> knowledge
> > exchanged on a daily basis. From what tires to buy to how to remedy
> the
> loss
> > of power and bucking after driving for two hours.
> >
> > However the one topic that many can't seem to master is selecting a
> good
> > repair shop. I see a few people ask who is decent in their area. I
> also
> know
> > that people tend to complain rather than praise.
> >
> > Many tend to get on the telephone and the only question they ask is
> "how
> > much?". Or they may ask "what is your labor rate." Vary rarely do
> they
> take
> > the time to interview a repair shop personally. The following are
> some
> > procedures and questions you should ask when your car needs repair.
> >
> > First call the prospective shop and ask for a time that you may
> come by to
> > talk about getting some needed repairs done. Go to the shop
> personally and
> > take a look around.
> >
> > What is the shape of the cars in the parking lot?
> >
> > Be careful if the lot is full of cars that seem to be growing
> roots. Your
> car
> > may end up being one these. Many fall for the trap that if the
> parking lot
> is
> > full this place must be good. The full parking lot may be caused by
> poor
> > scheduling and inability to get the work done in a timely manner.
> >
> > What does the building look like on the outside?
> >
> > Is it clean and appealing? If a business owner takes pride in his
> work it
> is
> > usually reflected in the appearance of his business.
> >
> > What does the customer waiting area look like?
> >
> > Is it clean and comfortable? This will show how much the business
> cares
> about
> > you as a customer.
> >
> > What does the work area look like?
> >
> > Is it clean and well organized? Again boils down to pride and care
> in
> work.
> >
> > Does the shop appear to be well equipped to handle your needs?
> >
> > Do you see newer equipment? Do they have lifts? Do they have modern
> > diagnostic equipment to handle your tough to solve problems?
> >
> > Ask about the experience and training of the shop owner and the
> technicians
> > who will be doing the repairs.
> >
> > How many years on VW's or German cars? Are they ASE certified in
> the area
> > that they will be performing the repair? How committed are they to
> furthering
> > their education and training?
> >
> > Is the owner or service writer friendly? Do you feel that you can
> communicate
> > with them so that you are BOTH under the same level of
> understanding?
> >
> > This is where most transactions fall apart. Lack of communication.
> It is
> the
> > shops job to educate you so that you know what they are talking
> about. It
> is
> > YOUR responsibility to ask questions when you don't understand.
> >
> > Now for the most important question.
> >
> > Do you trust and feel comfortable with the people wish to start a
> business
> > relationship with?
> >
> > This just boils down to personalities and gut instinct. Do you
> trust the
> > people or not? If you don't, go elsewhere. You will be doing both
> you and
> the
> > shop owner a favor.
> >
> > If you are comfortable with all the above then schedule the work.
> If not
> keep
> > looking. Just because your friend thought a certain shop was great
> doesn't
> > guarantee that you will think the same.
> >
> > When the repair order is written ask for an estimate. Here in CA it
> is the
> > law, but in other states it is very lax. Many times an initial
> inspection
> or
> > diagnosis may have to be quoted at first. Then a revised estimate
> can be
> > given when the shop knows exactly what needs to be done. Most shops
> now
> > charge for diagnoses and this is normal. Guess work and throwing
> parts at
> a
> > problem is NOT what you want.
> >
> > If you don't have a problem now, now is the time to establish a
> relationship
> > with someone you can trust. It is much easier to make decisions
> when you
> are
> > not under pressure and stress because your car is broke down. Then
> when
> you
> > do have a problem your thoughtful and careful research is done.
> Odds are
>
=== message truncated ===
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