Hello everyone,

I'm new to the Audi world. I recently bought a 97 A4 V12 2.8L with 112k miles. I would like to have the timing belts replace, because the owner before didn't have a clue. I looking for a good and trustworthy mechanic in the NOVA. Is any of you guys from NOVAand know a good mechanic?

Thanks,

 

Look at Curry's Auto as they have a few locations in the nova region. I find that the Chantilly location is overwhelmed and doesn't always have perfect service but the Dulles one does. I've been to both for different things. Mike at Chantilly is a funny guy but he seems to bump the pricing up higher than even other Curry's. John at the Dulles location is a cool guy and can help a bunch. Another spot would be of course HBL Tysons if you want to get the dealer to do it. A bit of a ways away but an awesome shop is Induktion Motorsports in Hanover, MD.

 

Thank you for the help.

 

Try RPM in lorton va, they specialize in Audi's. Very good customer service and reasonable pricing. There Phone number is 703-550-8240. Ask for Stan.

 

This is the thread I found when I moved to Va in 2010. I was trying to find a shop for my A4 that was trustworthy. I have painfully regretted going to Currys. I later took my A4 to AutoScandia which I recommend over Curry's.
Here's my condensed experiences with each.

A4 Engine had a sludge problem, not a cheap. Total bill was $1200 OVER the top of the range they quoted me. Grand total of $3600. I was shocked.
Come to find out they took it upon themselves to fix several other items on the car without asking me, the large items including the rack/pinion, tie rods and the lock on the drivers side door.
And they held my car for a month! Told me it would be done in a couple days. Then suddenly the part they thought they had wasn't in. They get the part in and it will be done in a couple days. Oops, they were mistaken they are missing other parts, but will have it in a couple days. This went on for 4 weeks.
When finally the car was done and I got the bill I argued that they can't just fix random crap on a vehicle without talking to the owner first. Their response, was that they assumed I would just want to go ahead and fix everything wrong they could find without them "bothering" me "by calling to ask permission first".
Not only that, the repair they did on the rack and pinion, and tie rods had to be redone (at a new shop) because it was done so poorly. On top of that, they had put a USED timing belt on the engine (after telling me how important constantly changing out your timing belt was; that mine was dangerously worn. I paid for a new one). It was the same used belt, and was was so worn through that my new mechanic (first time doing a oil change) was surprised it hadn't snapped weeks before I brought the car in, and told me it was pure luck. I didn't feel lucky I felt enraged at Curry's negligence. He even showed it to me on the spot so I could see for myself.

Currys is awful. They sent me cookies! and a card? apologizing for the "misunderstanding" but refused to take any responsibility or even fix any of the mistakes they made. They refused to admit fault for even the timing belt.

I took a risk and started bringing my car to AutoScandia simply because it was near my husbands work. The parking lot was always full and they had Audi's there constantly.
Its in Herndon, right where the new Herndon metro stop on the silver line is being built.
AutoScandia has blown my mind with the service they've given to me. They have quoted me expensive repairs at times, but said they would double check things such as wiring when they actually get things opened up. The mechanics have called me back on several occasions saying that either it was just wiring and it would cost me less than $100, or that the repair was simpler than was expected and the mechanic told them to charge me less than I was quoted.
Or even with Curry's botched repairs, mistakes Autoscandia didn't even make, they didn't charge me for labor, just parts since they knew money was woefully tight after what Curry's raped my wallet for. Its nice to know that they look out for you rather than take advantage.
The Audi techs, Jeremy, is amazing, a serious Audi genius. But he recently moved to a shop further south where he lives cause the commute to Herndon was hard for him. I don't know which shop, but he would definitely be worth tracking down if you live south of Herndon. They'd likely give you the name of his new shop if you called and asked. Their new tech has been great so far.
I have been with AutoScandia for almost 3 years now and love them and recommend them highly. They call me by name and know my car without looking at their records. They have done me numerous favors with annoying requests I've made, answered every single one of my unceasing questions, handled my concerns going beyond my expectations.
My other car is a Saab 93, and Louis is my Saab guy there, he's excellent too. They have specialist for each of the various European makes they service, and the ones I have worked with are worth every penny. I'd pay more than they charge and consider it money well spent.
You can mention you found a recommend from Paige with the A4(and Saab 93) on the forums and that I said they'd take care of you. They'll laugh and probably say what a pain in the *** I am. Cause if they take care of people who can even be a real pain, like me, they're sure to do the same for you. They'll go out of their way to win you over for my sake since I always recommend them so highly.

 

Where exactly do you live? There's plenty of options in this area, some more convenient than others depending on where you're coming from. For starters, I'm gonna go against the recommendations above and tell you to avoid Curry's. From my experience they do very good work, but it takes a long time and they charge near dealer rates for labor and parts. They had my buddy's M3 for almost a month.

If you're inside the beltway, check out Eurowerks (formerly Volkswerks) on 29 in Falls Church. They've had their hands on both of my A4's and I'm very happy with the service and the prices.

If you're a little further north, check out RAI. There's about a 2 week wait, but they specialize in Audi/VW and Ray is a great guy. I've been through the shop and they're all cool guys.

If you're further south, check out NGP in Lorton. Again, about a 2 week wait, which sucks. They did the clutch on my avant and I couldn't say enough nice things about that place. They did the job in 2 days, which would have been one if I'd have dropped the car off when I was supposed to. The price was less than half of what the dealer quoted and considerably less than Curry's.

Another place I would stay away from is Funktion Auto. They're a high-end Porsche/Merc shop and their rates are just as high--if not higher--than the dealers around here.

 

I have taken my car to Virginia Tire & Auto several times - once in Ashburn and a couple of times in Falls Church - and have had a great experience. I like the fact that they allow their customers to make a reservation online for starters. They seem to have a very friendly and knowledgable staff. I didn't feel like I was being taken advantage of and/or being up sold to..as is the case at many area shops.

They are not cheap but they are competitive especially when compared to the dealer. From my perspective, I'd much rather pay industry average and get quality work rather than pay cheap prices but then have to visit the shop 2-3 times to really get the work done. Tires, Auto Repair & Inspection Services | Virginia Tire & Auto

 

That's messed up. I feel your pain.