[200q20v] 1st trip to dealer

[QSHIPQ at aol.com]

I totally agree with Greg Amy's post, and Chris' followup.  As one of the 
independent audi shops, I have absolutely no problem with the DIY/html 
*fixes* I'm 'told' to do.  As many times as any customer wants me to do (and 
bill) them.  After the second labor bill for the same fix (or the misdirected 
virtual diagnostic), I don't think these DIY/html's are hurting me as much as 
I thought (or the third time when I finally put in the new part).  Many 
times, I've had the discussion wrt DIY/html's with customers, the benefit is 
initial cost, but the risk is mulitple fixes.  Most dealers can't and won't 
do these fixes, really tight bogey times on many audi service book times 
doesn't create any motivation either.  The 1.5hours book for a timing belt 
R&R on an urS car comes to mind immediately...

Be advised too, that DIY/html sites are really good for the DIY guy.  Walking 
in a waving a virtual diagnostic/fix to any shop, can sometimes cost you more 
for the directive than you think, btdt.  Same applies for wrong parts 
supplied.  Many times the *shop* cost for wrong parts sucks up more time and 
scheduling than it's worth.  Weighing that against repeat business has kept 
that decision somewhat easier for me.  But, the busier a shop gets, the less 
risk (owner parts, quick fixes, no diagnostic billable time) allowed.  Just 
offering a btdt perspective here, not at all bitching.

BTW, I got an email from Mr. Mockry, be advised that he has taken a "real" 
job (as my wife likes to say), not related to audis.  It doesn't appear that 
his own site is the reason, just an offer he couldn't refuse.  Bummer to lose 
another quattro bro to something more attractive.

Bottom Line: Find a wrench/shop that suits your philosophy, in price and 
perspective, the definition of good service.  DIY/html TT&T are great tools, 
but they also potentially  backfire.

My .02

SJ




In a message dated 2/23/01 9:38:17 AM Central Standard Time, 
C1J1Miller at aol.com writes:

> >This and all the audi lists gives the dealership repair group a lot of 
flak; 
>> mostly unearned, I'd think.
>  
> > I thought the original post was on the order of, "this is what the 
> >dealership thinks, are they right?" more than a "can you believe how much 
the 
> >dealership wants" or a "why won't the dealership fix rather than replace" 
>> post.
>  
> > BTW, the post I sent referenced Scott's site, which references an Audi 
>> technical service bulletin, which calls for re-soldering the circuit 
board... 
>> not replacing it.
>>  Chris
>  
>  
>  
>  In a message dated Fri, 23 Feb 2001 10:12:09 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
Greg 
> Amy <grega at pobox.com> writes:
>  
>  << >>> Sounds to me like the dealer doesn't know that much.
>  
>  Well, if that dealership happens to be Audi of Fairfield, I can tell you 
the
>  guy you spoke to knows A LOT. In fact, he's gotten dirty more than once
>  helping me work on my car. No need to jump to conclusions.
>  
>  >>> I agree with Mike, $600 bucks for a bouncing speedo fix? You can fix it
>  yourself...
>  
>  AH-HAH! There's the key! Having an old luxury sports sedan is a compromise
>  of time and money. Want to save one? It'll cost you the other.
>  
>  What in the heck do you EXPECT a dealer to do? Do you really think the
>  dealership's going to pull a circuit board and solder it for you, only to
>  take a chance that it doesn't "stick" and you come back bitching for it to
>  be done again for free? NO WAY! They're going to take the safe route and
>  replace the board, charge you for the time, and let Audi's parts and 
service
>  warranty cover your come-back.
>  
>  If you instead go to an independent service location, tell them what YOU
>  think is the problem, ask them to fix that, and then tell them that you're
>  willing to take the risk, they'll possibly do it but they'll put the
>  responsibility right on your shoulders. You'll pay them 2-4 hours for the
>  time, and you'll be on your way. And, when it breaks again, it's your
>  problem again.
>  
>  It's wrong to expect otherwise from either location.
>  
>  OK, so you don't want to spend the money. Fine, go to Scott's and Chris's
>  sites (like all of us have done), follow their procedures, fix it yourself,
>  and invest the difference in the stock market (uh, scratch that; throw a
>  party for Chris and Scott instead.) You've saved some coin, learned
>  something, and felt good about it.
>  
>  But, please, don't start bitching at dealerships because they don't want to
>  take the chance on your old car's problems to save YOU money...
>