Need reliable Audi Mechanic

July 1, 2009 2:21 PM

Bay Area: Peninsula: Please recommend an independant Audi mechanic.

I have a '07 Q7 and I'm looking for an independent mechanic so I don't have to pay dealer prices for oil changes, etc. The qualities I'm looking for, in order of desirablity, are:

1) Does Quality work.
2) Is honest and reliable.
3) Good value for the money.

I.e., I'll pay slightly more for someone I can trust and rely on. I'm not purely looking to minimize cost.

Thanks!

posted by jeffamaphone to Technology (7 answers total)

Best answer: Not quite the peninsula, but I am very happy with Chris (owner/primary mechanic) at Auto Werk Stat (Yelp reviews). Not the cheapest (although way cheaper than the VW dealers), honest, reliable, and seems to do good work. My only complaint is that it can take a week or four to get work done depending on what it is and how important it is. He can often work you in faster if it's an emergency or a small job.

I have paid Burnlingame Independent for diagnostic and second opinions before and felt I was well treated. If I didn't have a relationship with Auto Werk Stat, I would probably go here.
posted by fief at 2:58 PM on July 1, 2009

Best answer: I don't know if he does Audis, but Mechanica Automotive has a great rep.
posted by paultopia at 7:07 PM on July 1, 2009

You can buy something called Audi Care at your dealership. (Caution: Link contains Audi Official Propaganda) It costs something like $700 upfront but it's WAY cheaper than paying for 50,000 miles worth of oil changes, tire rotations, and brake fluid flushes individuall. A plan like that will really pay for itself and it'll encourage you to do critical things like replacing brake fluid which is overlooked by most customers. Double check this, but brake pads and rotors might be covered under Audi Maintenance, too. Your Q7 will eat up brakes, since it's such a large vehicle.

I know you're asking about finding an reputable indy shop, but this could be a good way to get dealer service at a lower cost. Just thought I'd put it out there.


Small disclaimer: I'm an Audi tech at a dealer. But it's cool, I'm thousands of miles away from the Bay Area.
posted by Jon-o at 8:47 PM on July 1, 2009

Response by poster: I got the Q7 used and I think it may be too late for Audi care.
posted by jeffamaphone at 10:03 PM on July 1, 2009

Is it used or Certified Pre-Owned by Audi? I think there's an Audi Care available for CPO vehicles.
The dealer might be able to swing something for you. There's some flexibility when it comes to policy and I'm sure they'd much rather accommodate you than turn you away, considering that they'll be getting a couple hundred bucks from you and ensuring some repeat business. It's worth a shot.
posted by Jon-o at 4:00 AM on July 2, 2009

Best answer: You should check out R B Automotive on Buckeye (near Woodside Road and El Camino) in Redwood City. [phone]. Russ is extremely honest, and is always looking for ways to save you a dollar. He's a general mechanic, works on all sorts of cars.
posted by Daddio at 4:25 PM on July 4, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks guys. I'll have a look at each one.
posted by jeffamaphone at 9:52 AM on July 6, 2009