Informed Consumer: Repair Shops

kstar · 09:27 PM

Greetings:

I have been doing a great amount of research in a matter that some of you are aware of. In my continuing efforts to educate myself, I also want to help any of you that may not be aware of certain resources that may prove to be very helpful in your efforts to identify a reputable shop for repairs and work on your Porsche.

In California, we have the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair (“BAR”) division. They have a web page where you may do a search that will reveal if a shop you are looking at is in good standing.

Do your search here: http://appserv1.dca.ca.gov/wllpub/plsql/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=ARD&p_qte_pgm_code=1310

Since we are the ones paying the bills for these shops, we all have the ultimate power in regards to the well being of these shops.

If any of you are aware of agencies in other states (or Countries) that provide a similar service as "BAR", this thread could be a valuable resource to the Pelican community.

Best wishes to all!

Kurt

kstar · 12-27-2001, 09:19 PM

Here is the search page for the Better Business Bureau:

http://search.bbb.org/national/results.html

Best Regards!

Kurt

Bobboloo · Bobboloo's Garage

That's interesting. I ran a search on a shop that I used to replace the mainshaft seal on a 72' 915 tranny. (On the early 915's you have to remove the differential and pull the bell housing to replace the seal.) The search had the same complaints I had. No estimate given before work is performed.
You see. I pulled the tranny myself. Took it to them and asked how much to do it. The guy said he would have to get back to me on it. I call several times. They say he hasn't had a chance to look at it yet. Finally I call they say come and pick it up. $500 to replace a $1 seal.
I don't doubt it had some labor involved but come on. You see if I had been given an estimate I would have not done it or I would have rebuilt it. Common sense says you don't spend $500 to replace a seal if you could have the whole thing rebuilt for about the same price.
I kind of laugh at the stupidity of the whole deal. His for burning a new customer and mine for knowing in the back of my head that if he doesn't know how much for that job to begin with then I got no business being there.

Bobby