Mightyleader
Member
I thought I'd share my experience across two different mechanics recently.
The context is that I've been considering a trip to the south of France, driving down in Diane, my lovely A2.
Beforehand I wanted to have a service done (though it claimed to have been serviced when I bought it I have no idea what was done) and also have the Cam Belt/Water Pump at least checked if not replaced.
There's an Audi dealer near me in Chingford and a specialist German car service place in Camden called Autodeutsche. After reading reviews and getting some ideas on pricing I took her to Autodeutsche.
Now let me say they didn't do a bad job. At all. The service was good and they kept the interior clean. They said the belt/pump should be replaced so I agreed.
They also took the time to send me a movie file of the inspection of the underside of the car, highlighting the condition of the suspension and rear axle.
Cost of the service, inspection and belt/pump replacement was £1100. This feels on the expensive side, but I don't mind paying for quality and to find a reliable place to look after Diane.
The narrative they gave on the suspension was bleak and they really pushed the state of it, lots of tutting and shaking of heads. At this point I felt they were being a little bit disingenuous, but I didn't have enough knowledge to point to why. I asked for a quote for all the work just to get a sense of the scope.
They told me it would be approx. £6000 inc VAT. Now that IS a lot, but if it's the price then that's the price; I bought Diane as a keeper with the knowledge I might find unexpected costs and work.
I drove home in a state of fear that the entire car would collapse from underneath. Diane is in great condition and low mileage, engine is sound and the gearbox solid so it feels there's lot's of benefit to putting some effort into her, so I thought I'd seek another opinion.
The usual excellent service from this forum produced a recommendation for a garage in Hounslow, massive thanks to @Kleynie for his referral.
Now Autodeutsche is very polished, lot's of glass dividers and logos etc... This place was much more of a garage. Cars parked in various states of repair arranged in the Tetris-style, oil, parts and tyres stacked around and a radio playing Careless Whisper. Definitely less posh and ordered. The difference was in the people. Now I'm not super macho, but I do know a little about mechanics. The guys there were a pleasure to speak with, respectful and informative.
It was done while I waited so I had to kill an hour or so in Hounslow Central (a little scary).
They did an inspection, took me across the whole underside of car, pointing out everything, reassuring me about what needs doing and when and with what, we discussed me sourcing parts I wanted to use (which is also cheaper) and also took the time to dismantle and readjust the brakes on the rear. All of this for £60. I even tried to drop them a little more for their service but they wouldn't take it. I left feeling confident about their ability, informed about my car and respected as a customer.
I'm in the process of procuring parts (guided by posts here on suspension etc...) and look forward to having the whole thing done by trustworthy people. Total cost will be high but likely less than half I was quoted before, and I'll have piece of mind about it.
The context is that I've been considering a trip to the south of France, driving down in Diane, my lovely A2.
Beforehand I wanted to have a service done (though it claimed to have been serviced when I bought it I have no idea what was done) and also have the Cam Belt/Water Pump at least checked if not replaced.
There's an Audi dealer near me in Chingford and a specialist German car service place in Camden called Autodeutsche. After reading reviews and getting some ideas on pricing I took her to Autodeutsche.
Now let me say they didn't do a bad job. At all. The service was good and they kept the interior clean. They said the belt/pump should be replaced so I agreed.
They also took the time to send me a movie file of the inspection of the underside of the car, highlighting the condition of the suspension and rear axle.
Cost of the service, inspection and belt/pump replacement was £1100. This feels on the expensive side, but I don't mind paying for quality and to find a reliable place to look after Diane.
The narrative they gave on the suspension was bleak and they really pushed the state of it, lots of tutting and shaking of heads. At this point I felt they were being a little bit disingenuous, but I didn't have enough knowledge to point to why. I asked for a quote for all the work just to get a sense of the scope.
They told me it would be approx. £6000 inc VAT. Now that IS a lot, but if it's the price then that's the price; I bought Diane as a keeper with the knowledge I might find unexpected costs and work.
I drove home in a state of fear that the entire car would collapse from underneath. Diane is in great condition and low mileage, engine is sound and the gearbox solid so it feels there's lot's of benefit to putting some effort into her, so I thought I'd seek another opinion.
The usual excellent service from this forum produced a recommendation for a garage in Hounslow, massive thanks to @Kleynie for his referral.
Now Autodeutsche is very polished, lot's of glass dividers and logos etc... This place was much more of a garage. Cars parked in various states of repair arranged in the Tetris-style, oil, parts and tyres stacked around and a radio playing Careless Whisper. Definitely less posh and ordered. The difference was in the people. Now I'm not super macho, but I do know a little about mechanics. The guys there were a pleasure to speak with, respectful and informative.
It was done while I waited so I had to kill an hour or so in Hounslow Central (a little scary).
They did an inspection, took me across the whole underside of car, pointing out everything, reassuring me about what needs doing and when and with what, we discussed me sourcing parts I wanted to use (which is also cheaper) and also took the time to dismantle and readjust the brakes on the rear. All of this for £60. I even tried to drop them a little more for their service but they wouldn't take it. I left feeling confident about their ability, informed about my car and respected as a customer.
I'm in the process of procuring parts (guided by posts here on suspension etc...) and look forward to having the whole thing done by trustworthy people. Total cost will be high but likely less than half I was quoted before, and I'll have piece of mind about it.
and leaving the cabin filthy. Go figure.
