Servicing options - Adelaide

[BarneyBoy]

Well after a string of dreadful experiences with Solitaire over the 4 years I had my car (including the last 3 experiences that were truly vile), I'm looking for just about ANYONE who could do a better job. My sister has been getting her Polo serviced by Enzo's in the city and she's reported very good experiences with them. They've been around forever, and are Euro specialists (Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, VW). I'm giving them a shot next service.

All they have to do to improve on the other mob is not BREAK anything and actually FIX problems.
Symptomatic of being the only show in town for too long.

[TomC]

Symptomatic of being the only show in town for too long.

You've nailed the problem right here!

[Nedbone]

Yesterday I had my MY08 TFSI Jetta serviced at Lynas Valley VW at Tanunda in the Barossa Valley. It was the 30K/3Year service and I have to report they did a great job and would highly recommend them. I pre-arranged with them to arrive first thing and they were happy to allow me to wait while the servicing was being done and also shout me a coffee at the local coffee shop.
They are also Ford, Mazda, Kia & Honda dealers and the service department folks were saying that VWA are constantly conducting training courses and seminars, far more so than any of the other brand names they sell/service. Accordingly, their technicians are well trained and also nice country folk. Give them a try if you live North of Adelaide.
Cheers, Ned

[andymarc]

I'm looking for someone who can service my skoda up north (salisbury) area.. I know German auto do it but a little too far.. anyone recommend someone?

[TomC]

Best bet would probably be these guys - VOLKSFACTORY-HOME Volkswagen VW Audi SEAT Skoda Repairs Service Mechanics Parts Adelaide - they seem to have a pretty good rep (even if their website's a bit dated ). Otherwise, you could take it to Lynas Valley as Nedbone has mentioned above.

[thezoneR32]

Have to say after some recent experiences with Solitaire I'm back on their band wagon now. Re-built my trans under extended warranty and organised a tow for me when I hit a log and ruptured my sump. They dealt directly with the insurance company and fitted everything perfectly. Back in the good books for now. Go in and ask for Marc, he's really down to earth and understands the cars well. They have also fitted some mods for me! Including after market rotors, paddles, led lights and soon to be fitted, VWR engine mounts!

[TomC]

They have also fitted some mods for me!!

This is the one thing I have found disappointing with Auto Studio. Their log book servicing is good and keenly priced, but they won't install anything aftermarket, only VW approved parts, apparently due to their insurance.

[greasykitchen]

Always good to hear feedback on various local mechanics.

As I've noted in other threads, I'll possibly be taking my Mk5 to AVW as they are literally right around the corner from me. I've heard good things about them, but does anyone else have anything to add?

Re Solitaire - my old boss (who isn't even remotely mechanically minded, he's an academic ) recommended Solitaire at Mile End as he had good customer service, and even replaced some air cond components free of charge when out of warranty (and the car was bought in Victoria). So I guess they can be a mixed bag.

I've driven past the place many times and they're are always busy, and not necessarily every car there would be under warranty either - take that as you will.

[TomC]

I've driven past the place many times and they're are always busy, and not necessarily every car there would be under warranty either - take that as you will.

Haha it's interesting the different views you can take on a situation!!! This is one of the big gripes I have with Solitaire Too many cars each day, too little time to service each one properly and then follow up with good customer service. My car was misdiagnosed by their mechanics on several ocassions and not complex issues either. They even ordered in and replaced a whole bunch of parts (at their cost) that didn't need to be replaced, thinking they'd solved the problem when they hadn't!!!

I think the real reason they're always busy is because they're the only Adelaide-based dealer and a heck of a lot of non-car-enthusiast owners simpy think they need to have their car serviced by the dealer. My two cents anyway

[thezoneR32]

Haha it's interesting the different views you can take on a situation!!! This is one of the big gripes I have with Solitaire Too many cars each day, too little time to service each one properly and then follow up with good customer service. My car was misdiagnosed by their mechanics on several ocassions and not complex issues either. They even ordered in and replaced a whole bunch of parts (at their cost) that didn't need to be replaced, thinking they'd solved the problem when they hadn't!!!

I think the real reason they're always busy is because they're the only Adelaide-based dealer and a heck of a lot of non-car-enthusiast owners simpy think they need to have their car serviced by the dealer. My two cents anyway

I always find they(Solitiare) have plenty of time for me. On the contrary, German Auto (who I do think highly of), never seem to have time to call you back and nalways seemto have too mnay cars in at once. And they are really expensive. Charged me $600 to fit my sways!

[WEDEL.1]

I've had nothing but excellent service from The Volksfactory.

They have looked after
1. The Green T4 Transporter
2. The red Golf III CL
3. The BMP Polo 9N
4. The CW Golf V

They not only looked after the cars, but me also, with some fantastic help when I've need it and are very cost effective.

They are also great Supporters and Sponsors of the VW scene in Adelaide.

I cannot speak highly enough of them.

Maris

[thezoneR32]

I've had nothing but excellent service from The Volksfactory.

They have looked after
1. The Green T4 Transporter
2. The red Golf III CL
3. The BMP Polo 9N
4. The CW Golf V

They not only looked after the cars, but me also, with some fantastic help when I've need it and are very cost effective.

They are also great Supporters and Sponsors of the VW scene in Adelaide.

I cannot speak highly enough of them.

Maris

Sounds like a good rap, pity they're in the North, I try not to drive North of Prospect, to many bogans in VN commodores tailgate you!

[TomC]

I always find they(Solitiare) have plenty of time for me. On the contrary, German Auto (who I do think highly of), never seem to have time to call you back and nalways seemto have too mnay cars in at once. And they are really expensive

Yeah I should clarify, their before and after service support has always been great. I've just been concerned that when my car is in the shop on the day, they rush through things and don't take the proper care/time to diagnose faults. On two occasions I drove out after a service and the problem they'd told me they'd fixed hadn't been.

[thezoneR32]

Yeah I should clarify, their before and after service support has always been great. I've just been concerned that when my car is in the shop on the day, they rush through things and don't take the proper care/time to diagnose faults. On two occasions I drove out after a service and the problem they'd told me they'd fixed hadn't been.

Well that does suck. I'll tell them tomorrow when I pick my car up. Marc was telling me they like to hear this stuff and he has really been looking after me lately so maybe give them another try and explain your issues with them, you might just get special treatment like me!

[Theby68]

I was interested to read this thread as I am looking to find someone to service my Passat and thought I would share my experience with German Auto.
I recently purchased a 95 Passat GL, Grandpa spec but not without a few little problems.
The service sticker in the window was from German Auto so I fired off an email, after a week without a reply I pick up the phone.
Don't recall who I spoke to, but anyway explained about my recent purchase and they checked their records and confirmed they had been servicing the Passat. Great I'd like to book in for a service, get the aircon gased and check out a noise which I thought might have been a bearing. So THEY gave me a date.
Dropped the car off first thing in the morning, great this is looking good.
MMMMMMM
2.30pm I get a call with some pathetic excuse as to why they hadn't started my service and some rubbish about the noise I was hearing might be tyre noise.
I explained that it only ever happened when turning hard left at low speed.
3.00pm I get another call, still can't find the noise and it doesn't look like they will be able to regas the aircon, more dribble about problems with another vehicle. Oh well I thought at least I'll get it serviced.
So I turn up at 5.00 to get my car and go home, walk up to the desk and I get this guy (won't use his name) starts to tell me how they don't service cars older then 10 years (remember I told them it was a 95 when I booked it in) WTF.
And he starts dribbling on about not over capitalizing on such an old vehicle (this to a guy who dropped 25K on $500 67' Beetle) again WTF.
The whole time he couldn't even look me in the eye.
So off home I go with not even so much as a oil change, unbelievable.

Well thats my story.
I'm sure German Auto has many happy customers, I just can't say I'm one of them.
If anyone can explain what that was all about I would love to hear from you.
And if anyone know a mechanic that works on VW older than 10 years I'd also like to hear from you.