Dealers/Seattle

["Matt Martinsen" <mattmartinsen@hotmail.com>]

I would have to second Jason C. in recommending Barrier Audi.  While I 
haven't taken my car there (haven't needed to yet) my brother has a 
couple times and has been treated quite well.  The PO of my brother's 91 
200Q bought the car there and had extensive records for everything from 
Barrier.  He had a timing belt/water pump done recently and when they 
weren't able to finish as promised, gave him 15% off his bill.  Came to 
about $330, not bad.  When he got the car he took it in for an initial 
check up/oil change and at the next oil change (DIY) the drain plug had 
seized, a common occurence with the aluminum pan. He took it back to 
Barrier and they got it out, put in a new plug, and changed his oil (he 
had a filter and Mobil 1 in the trunk) no charge. Yes, the labor prices 
are high and you can get parts cheaper, but they'll stand behind their 
work 100%, something worth paying for sometimes and on some jobs after 
reading some of the horror stories about the handywork of the monkey 
lads. The parts guys are Ok also, I have a friend with a '90 Jag XJS v12 
convertible, he wanted a new Jag brochure, the salesman wouldn't even 
talk to him, so the parts guy went and got him one.  I've found the 
parts department at University Audi decent also, one guy (I forget his 
name, moustache) has given me 20-25% off on several occasions for no 
appearant reason, I didn't ask for it or complain about the price.  I 
just notice a discount when I'm checking my invoice later.  Pretty nice.  
That said, I trade some convenience for saving big $$ and getting great 
service from The Parts Connection when possible, but some things are 
dealer only.
-Matt Martinsen
Seattle, WA
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com