There is something sacred about the relationship between a car owner and his mechanic. I believe when you find a highly competent and skilled shop you keep it for life. Mt Washington Autohaus is one of those shops. Brian and his men seem to work miracles when other mechanics say it's not possible. Here is my experience. Driving down the highway at 110 mph my Golf TDI suddenly let out a horrid screech and died. Until I was referred to Brian's shop I took it to a local dealer. So I towed it to the dealer as usual. A day later I was confused when I was told the issue was a fuel pump and filter. But I approved the repair. 903.00 dollars later it still would not run. I am not a mechanic but I know enough to know that something was not right. I questioned the VW service department and they were not as forthright as usual. This made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. 3 hours later I get a call that the turbo charger imploded and the impeller sheered off. Now I knew I did not need a fuel pump.
A friend of mine recommended Brian's shop. So I had it immediately towed to his location. Still I was out 903.00. I could not tow it otherwise. That Monday Brian called me up and confirmed that the turbo was the problem along with a clogged intake. He said if I could wait a day or two longer he had found a used turbo with only 20K miles on it for $700.00 cheaper. What mechanic does that for his customers? I gladly waited the extra time. He also confirmed that in no way could the fuel pump be involved. The turbo came in and he installed it, cleaned out the intake and went over the car. It started right up and purrs like a kitten and fly's like a rocket. His crew identified several other issues that were also repaired.
Here is the bottom line. Brian charged me half of what the dealer was going to charge me for the turbo replacement. That was a difference of $2500.00. He knows these cars like the back of his had. He is tied into the import car community and found solid used parts that work just as good as the new ones. Now for the fuel pump and filter. Brian provided me the paperwork and knowledge to go back to the dealer and secure a refund. And it worked! What mechanic does that for his customers? I have yet to ever meet one. His hourly rates are extremely reasonable. The collective knowledge in that shop is incredible. 35 plus years this shop has been around. I cannot say enough about how great they are over there. They have a customer for life. I know Brian and his crew will keep my diesel running for years to come. In the end I saved over $3500.00 by bringing my car and listening to him. What else can I say?
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