I have a 1976 VW bus.
I came in with an appointment at 8:30am for a valve adjustment. I slept in the bus right outside shop because it needed to be cold for them to do this, my way of trying to save time. (I NEVER GOT AN ESTIMATE which I know now is illegal, as they have a sign in their shop) I asked if they could also rotate my tires, check my brakes to see if they were worn to the point of replacing, check my hazards/right blinker, the tranny fluid/clutch since it was grinding and a recent sputter of losing power. Just quick inspections. I immediately dropped the keys off as soon as the gate opened.
Right off the bat I was told they needed to finish some work from the previous day so I was pushed back even though I made an appointment. I was more than happy to wait since I had made no plans. I come back 4 hours later, not getting a call or anything to see the progress (12:30 now) my bus was on a lift, didn't see anyone working on it. Came in and left with no updated info from the front desk, but was glad it was on a lift. I'm gone for another 3 hours, no call, so I walk back.
As I'm walking up they were backing it up to take it for a spin, killing it twice before leaving/burning the clutch in 1st as they left. So I wait and as they finally bring it back. No paper work has been started, so I wait, read a couple chapters of my book, start getting a little impatient now. I walk up and ask after he's done on the phone. Paperwork still not done but they tell me everything is good, all my lights are working except my reverse lights. Weird, it worked before I came in and now they're trying to send me off without reverse lights? But having worked before dropping it off obviously I wanted them to fix it.
More time, more waiting. I hear the front desk person who I was dealing with say he's going to his car real quick, at this time I head outside to get some air. He is now working on my bus...didn't want me to see this? Who knows. I am 8 hours in at this point waiting. They come back in and add another hour of labor to my bill. With my bus on a lift rotating tires should be cake, checking the brakes should take minutes, tranny fluid no time. The only real labor time would be the valve adjustment. I'm fixed up with a $426 bill after having said he knocked an hour and a half of labor off already, being $95hr. I've waited almost an entire work day, having dropped it off as soon as they opened. (It is around 4:45 now) I argue that this is ridiculous, and after finally compensating for overpricing me they go down to $356. Still an outrageous price.
I am only passing through town, but all I have to say is not to bring your VW here. I literally redownloaded yelp just so I could warn those about this shop. So far everything is running smooth, but by golly gee damn if you want to get taken advantage of and throw your money down the drain this is your place
This has given me the push to go buy my own Bentley, Chilton, or how to keep your VW alive book asap as I will not be trying to find a shop crossing my fingers hoping I don't get screwed.
Although we had problems the people working there were pleasant, they weren't mean at all, it was easy talking to them, and they seem very knowledgable.
-Andrew read more