Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2000 22:00:16 -0400
Reply-To: jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject: Re: Finding a Good Repair Shop
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Rick, the best repair shop is often your own garage or driveway. The nice
thing about my '84 WBX is that some experience, common sense, and advice
from the list can solve many problems.
John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Ferguson" <fergusrh@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2000 5:33 PM
Subject: Re: Finding a Good Repair Shop
> 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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