Ferrari Mailing List: Re: NFC: Need VW mechanic in Phoenix

[Dan Spalding (dan_bob_spalding]

You could check www.tdiclub.com for the TDI experts in the Phoenix area.
They will probably be able to lead you right to a sought after and highly
qualified VW 1.8t expert as well.

Dan 


> -----Original Message-----
> From: LtWacko [mailto:ltwacko [at] aol.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, 29 December, 2027 22:00
> To: Dan Spalding
> Cc: The FerrariList
> Subject: Re: [Ferrari] NFC: Need VW mechanic in Phoenix
> 
> Every car has quirks.  We always say, "insert car" always does that or
> that's a common failure for "insert car".  From an over-the-phone
> diagnosis with my mother, it sounded like the alternator.  Considering the
> mileage, it was a possibility.  Unfortunately, modern cars are "linked".
> If everything works, modern cars are great.  If one thing is wrong, the
> problem could be simple or a symptom of a greater problem.  Was my
> mother's car problem caused by a corroded ground cable common with the
> salt belt origin of her car?  Could it simply be a voltage regulator or a
> set of brushes?  Are they replaceable or easily serviced?  Was it only the
> alternator?  There is something also to be said about using factory parts.
> Being a VW, there is plenty of crap aftermarket available.  I do prefer OE
> parts like serpentine belts.  A tech who is familiar with the car you own
> always has an advantage over the service-any-make guy.  When speaking with
> the service manager, I asked him to check oth
>  er areas of the car since I have become somewhat familiar with VW's when
> I helped worked on fellow racer's cars in my early years behind the wheel.
> He did notice some points I had concerns with and others that I did not
> know about.  This is why I was asking for someone who knows of an
> independent familiar with later model VW's.  I could have easily sent my
> mother to an independent to replace what I thought might have been only
> the alternator, but I didn't want to get a call a few days later from my
> mother needing a tow because the lack of charging was a symptom rather
> than the root cause.  I felt comfortable with the dealer performing the
> service and a "once over", I just didn't like the price.  It worried me to
> death that she was stranded late night on the side of the highway.
> 
> I went ahead and had the dealer replace the alternator, belt and ground
> cable that they discovered was bad.  The Beetle is her only car and I
> didn't want to waste time looking for an independent.  The $100 or $200
> that I would save is not worth the two days it would probably take to find
> someone I'm comfortable with.  She also needs the car to get to work.  I
> had to rent a car for two days on travelocity to get her by on Sunday and
> the day it spent in the dealer.  The dealer also gave her a list of stuff
> that needs attention.  This is why I am looking for a complete
> independent.
> 
> AGAIN, does anyone know of a good independent that is fairly priced in the
> Phoenix area that can perform the "complete" factory recommended scheduled
> service?  Not just this one time but someone she can always call on.  Who
> do local SCCA'ers trust?  What can I say?  I love my mom and I want to
> make sure she is taken care of since she is no longer within easy reach of
> my help.  Just my credit card!  Amazingly, I find MB's and BMW's easier to
> work on than "quirkey" VW's.
> 
> Rodney
> Possibly shopping for a new car for mom....  ouch!
> 
> 
> In a message dated 01/16/07 19:15:52 Central Standard Time,
> pbennett [at] macnet.com writes:
> Around Portland, OR there is franchise Alternator shops which do nothing
> else but $100 rebuild installs.
> My MB cost $125 but that's complete with 1 yr warranty.
> AAA Alternators are also in Phoenix...602 272-1965 Van Buren Ave
> 
> 
> >Hey gang, Mom moved to Phoenix from Chicago.  It was easy maintaining her
> car in Chicago since I was around and a cousin's husband is a factory VW
> Master Tech and instructor (family rate!!!).  Of course, soon as she moves
> away, the alternator left her stranded.  Being a Saturday night and
> stranded on the highway, I just told her get it to the dealer and fixed.
> The couple of extra hundred I would have saved with an unknown independent
> was not worth it for me.  I was paying for a rent a car too!  The tow was
> pricey making more money pouring out of my wallet...  Now I talked to the
> service writer who was very accommodating.  It's now time for the major
> service (timing belt etc.)  I am not willing to pay dealer prices, so I am
> looking for a qualified independent.  I know many of you are cheap but
> also expect quality work.  Who do you guys know in Phoenix that could help
> a poor guy out that still looks out for his mother?  (Did the pathetic
> plea help...  LOL)  The car is a 2000
>  V
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