Virginia mechanic

04-21-2002, 10:18 AM

I am moving to Fairfax County, VA in June and would like recommendations on mechanics in the area for my '88 carrera. Where in the area do you bring your 911?

Thanks in advance,
Glenn

Doug E · 04-21-2002, 01:30 PM

Glen -

Welcome to Virginia!

There are so many shops in this area it will make your head spin, but here are a few of the ones that advertise in the local PCA magazine:

Dr. Johns - Sterling
Intersport - Tysons
Autosport - Fairfax
Rennsport - Alexandria
Autobahn - Fairfax
Curry's - Sterling and Chantilly
Heinz - Springfield
Pitstop - Alexandria
RPM - Newington
IMA - Fairfax

Where in Fairfax will you be located? There are a couple of us Pelicanheads in Herndon and a few others spread out in Fairfax county.

Let us know when you arrive and you can join us for one of our regular drives.

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

Glenn:

I have personal experiance with Dulles Int'l Motorsport. They are perfectionists, and trustworthy. Call Dave Ocell & tell him that Marc Astore refered you. 703-471-4499.

Look forward to having you in the area. Doug (above post), and I have been out a few times, and Richard LeSch, and I mini-convoyed to Hershey yesterday.

04-21-2002, 02:00 PM

Thanks guys.

I don't know exactly where in Fairfax County I will be. I am coming out next week to check out the area and look for a house. I hope to check out some of your recommendations then. From the looks of things, there will be no lack of quality options.

Thanks again,
Glenn

Lucky · 04-23-2002, 07:28 PM

Glenn,

I, too, have used Dulles Int'l Motorsport and was very pleased with the service -- Dave Ocell is very low-key and always willing to spend time and answer any question the customer has.

My next visit to the shop will be to Dr. John's, only because they are near where I work and it doesn't hurt to spread the business around and keep competition strong!

I've heard good things about all of the shops on Doug E's list, so you probably should visit a few and just choose the one that feels right to you.

-- John

04-23-2002, 08:23 PM

Thanks John!

It seems Dulles Int' Motorsport has a large and loyal following. I will definitely check them out, as well as some of the other shops on Doug's list.

Glenn

Doug E · 04-23-2002, 08:55 PM

I apologize for having left of Dulles Intrntl off my original list. Seems I must have had brain fade when I originally responded b/c they are in my own backyard and I have purchased parts from them before.

I'd definately check them and Dr. John's out first.

ChrisL · 04-24-2002, 02:55 AM

You guys left off Autothority in Fairfax. They've expanded a bit into Japanese cars, but still work on Porsches. I've used them, Intersport and Pitstop - all good (but kinda expensive - I'd rather do my own work).

Chris.

04-24-2002, 04:18 AM

Thanks guys.

It seems I have a lot of research to do when I get to VA. Trying to balance quality with convenience will be a challenge, though quality always wins out.

Glenn

chuckr · 04-24-2002, 04:37 AM

Glenn,
We are sure going to miss you and your car !
You have started your search for a good shop the right way.Be sure to go by and check out your prospects and look or ask how many customers a shop has that do DE's or Club Racing.

Good Luck
Chuck

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Any search for a house in a new area would not be complete without first checking out the local PCA chapter and P-car shops. You can't just pick up and move anywhere, if there's not a good P-car shop and enthusiast community nearby. You may need to find a realtor who really knows their Porsches in addition to their houses. Despite complaints by some here about their own local PCA chapters, we in the DC area have the best one you could ask for. Make sure you come to each tech session and that way you'll be able to check out the local garages and meet the pro wrenches.

I bought my Carrera from Dulles Int'l Motorsport. Dave Herman and Dave Ocell are super nice guys and will gladly spend time answering every one of your questions.

04-24-2002, 06:31 PM

Thanks guys, every little bit helps.

Glenn

stevelb · 04-24-2002, 09:09 PM

Glenn:

You are lucky to be moving to an area with several fine Pcar shops with good reputations. I have used ASG in Fairfax since 1996 for maintenance and they do great work. When I need pcar parts for work I am going to do myself, I go to Dave Ocel at Dulles International. He is be able to get parts that the official Porsche dealer is unable (read too lazy) to get. Recently he got me a copy of the 996 service info manual that the dealer claimed was unavailable.

Good luck with your move.

04-25-2002, 08:08 PM

Thanks Steve. I will add ASG to my list as I will likely be in or near Fairfax.

Glenn