Why a reputable independent Audi mechanic is indispensable
 

After spending too many years paying the dealer's outrageous labor prices, I finally decided to try the local German car mechanic that a couple of other Audi friends recommended to me.

I do some of the repairs and maintenance myself, and have saved a great deal of money by doing so. But for jobs that I think are either too much of a PITA, or above my skill set, I take it to this local independent mechanic.

He's always busy, because he's good and he's reasonably priced.

A few weeks ago, I scheduled an appointment to have the timing belt job done on my wife's 2003 Avant quattro 3.0L, using the kit I got from Blauparts(he doesn't mind if I bring in my own parts). On the day I was scheduled, I brought in the car, but he said he was just too busy to get to it that day. So, I rescheduled for the next week.

The day before the rescheduled day, the power steering rack started leaking like a sieve. So now I was in for two major repairs. I thought I was going to have to take out a loan!

He ended up having the car in his shop for 2 weeks, because he was so swamped that he was trying to juggle all of his work. However, he did give me a loaner car to drive, so at least I had wheels while we were waiting.

When I finally picked up the car, I was expecting a bill of around $2000, because he quoted me $900 for the labor to install the Blauparts kit, and he estimated $500 for the power steering rack.

I think he felt bad that he made us wait for 2 weeks, because he apologized for the long wait, and only charged us a total of $1150 for the entire bill!

This guy has another customer for life. He did the job perfectly, and the car runs like a champ after he was done.

The golden rule, my friends, is if you can find a local independent Audi mechanic who is good and fair, keep him! :D

jdahlen24, I see you live in the same city as I do. I'm looking for a great Audi mechanic. Getting realllllly tired of paying the dealer prices. What's the name of the shop you take it yours to?

Post the names of these shops, that you highly recommend, in your regonal forum.

They're hard to find, and sometimes they know that's how they get customers, be straight with them from the get go and don't sugar coat it for you. I like people like that.

Diercks Brothers Foreign Auto in Byron.

Ask for Bard and tell him that he's famous now because he's on Audi Forums. :p