Poor Service from dealers and others

["Dave Puterbaugh" <deputer@email.msn.com>]

I have been following this thread about Audi dealers, and there poor
treatment of customers.  I try to use Audi service departments for doing
major service, as I do not have the time, or the proper tools.  The last
time I took my car in, the local dealer told me that I needed the
transmission pulled out, and all the seals replaced to fix the oil leaking
onto the exhaust.  The cost was to be about $1600, plus $500 to replace the
rear suspension bushings.  With the trans out, I felt that the clutch should
be replace as well.  Looking at a $2500 bill, I decided to replace the car.
After looking at many different cars, I decided to purchase another 1991 200
tq.  Once I got the new Audi, I decided to try to determine where the leak
was coming from.  I replaced two gaskets on the top of the trans, then
cleaned the entire trans and oil sump.  I also tightened up several loose
bolts on the sump while I was under there.  To my amazement, this cured the
oil leaks.  I drove the car 600 miles after the fix, and then had the car
inspected by Bellevue Motor Sports for the new owner.  They confirmed that I
fixed the leaking.

I do not mind paying $65/hour if I get quality work.  As you might guess, I
am a little hesitant to go back!  I discussed this with the service manager,
and he said that they usually quote the worst case, and they might have been
able to fix the car the same way.  My guess is that the trans would have
come out, as they have no problem spending my money.

I also had a problem at Discount Tires.  They got a set of Dunlop sport
8000's for my 17" BBS rims.  After mounting the tires, they used the stock
wheel bolts even though I gave them the box of longer bolts and locks that
came with these rims.  I was lucky that I noticed this only two days after
their mistake!  The stock bolts only hold on by two turns, and serious
testing of these tires could have been fatal.  I will be discussing this
with the manager tomorrow!

I find it damn annoying that ther are people out there that should be
experts, yet put out crap work.  Wow, I feel better!

Dave Puterbaugh