Good service in VA-HBL

[colin cohen <102621.2256@compuserve.com>]

<< Good to hear your experiences were good.  In spite of my previous criticism,
I went to HBL anyways for my routine service (7500 mile oil change).  It's just
so much closer than any other dealer.

Also had a groaning steering rack, a leaking steering fluid hose (from under
the reservoir), and coolant level just at the 'min' line.

//Begin rant

Here's what they did wrong on the above ticket:

1) Oil change, refilled car 1 quart low!  I heard the lifters the first day
when I started it up and caught it early.  Think of what could have happened if
I didn't notice it.

2) Steering fluid hose replaced.  The fluid that leaked on the reservoir was
not cleaned up.  Groaning steering rack cited as a consequence of leaking hose.
Steering rack still groans under same circumstances (moving slowly or stopped
while turning from dead center to left lock).

3) Coolant filled over 'max' level.  I only checked this upon seeing smoke
coming from under my hood.  Coolant spilling over on the engine...I assume.
 Definitely burning coolant...during an autoX, though.

It took me 3 days of calling the dealership to finally hear back from the Audi
rep.  Then the appointment had to be scheduled for a week later. Plus, they
held the car for an entire day, only to call me the next morning at 7 AM
telling me the car was ready.  Geesh...I'm already at work by 7 AM!

This kind of carelessness is not excusable.  Needless to say, I gave them a
very poor rating when AoA called to check on my experience.

//End of rant

I figure that with the recent upswing in Audi sales, the dealers cannot handle
the capacity.  So they rush through cars and neglect to get the work done
correctly.

So the moral of my story?  Again, avoid HBL if possible.
  >>

I enjoyed this only becasue I expected the same from all that I had heard about
HBL.  The facts seem to speak for themselves, and only some sort of 3rd worl
bribery will result in consistent service.  Also remember that HBL are in the
middle of a massive expansion of their facilities.  they dont have room to keep
all the cars they are working on under the suprevision of their Shop Meister,
and bits and pieces seem to get done outside of the manual, or even using a LR
or MB one instead.  I suspect or hope things will get a little easier once this
is finished, but in the meantime I am going to factor the inconvenience cost
into my bill and spread it around the shop floor.  That is, if they get it
wrong and I have to bring it back, and they then fix everything properly at
N/C, what would I pay to ensure that does not happen. Thats my gift/bribe. 
Good idea huh?  Worked well in Taiwan and Indonesia and Africa, which is what
the good ole US of A will be like in the year 2000.

Rant also over!

-- Josh Pinkert flush@radix.net --


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