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Review content:
I was looking to get quite a bit of work done on a 996 I recently purchased, so I shopped around to many shops near and far for estimates. I'm always determined to get the best bang for my buck, so I reviewed the details of all the estimates I received, as well as customer reviews, shop websites, and even the responses that accompanied the estimates (did they seem keen and passionate on a new customer, the car I was bringing in, and did they seem to be knowledgeable and helpful without being pushy).
The estimates varied by several thousands of dollars. IMA Motorwerke came back as the second lowest estimate (their estimate beat out all the European specialty shops in price, and were only beaten slightly by a generic shop that claimed to do with Porsches and rated high on Angieslist). That being said, once the work had already started on the car, I did get a phone call that the original estimate via email was slightly higher than it needed to be after seeing the car, and the final price was adjusted lower. This put their price for the work essentially on par with the lowest price I had seen for this work (from the generic shop). This price reduction from estimate to final was done without any direction or input from me - I was already comfortable with the original estimate that I had agreed to, and did not ask or hint for a lower price or a price match.
They also came back as one of the highest user reviewed and one of the two most keen/passionate/knowledgeable regarding my car and the work it needed based on the email responses for estimate requests. The pictures on their website and social media (as well as in person when you visit) show a clean, organized, well-maintained, and well-equipped shop (rather than a company that hides their shop from the public and uses stock photos for their internet campaigns). I think the inside of a shop says a lot about a place. Their customer reviews were high and coming from many other Porsche enthusiasts and they even work on many quality track cars - not just your daily drivers and garage queens.
After a few emails and a phone exchange, I decided to give them my business. It was a pleasure meeting and speaking with Ivan the owner, Allan the GM, and Chris the primary technician who worked on my 996. We got a shop tour and some useful insight into Porsche ownership. They are all personable and professional, as well as being a pleasure to talk to.
Their turnaround time for the vehicle to be ready was beyond my expectations, especially considering at least one part I requested was specialized and wasn't on hand.
Also, they have been extremely helpful in answering my after-service questions - which actually have nothing to do with the service I received, and are questions about recommendations and resources for non-mechanical questions I have about my car (Google is great, but it's sometimes more reassuring to supplement my research with knowledge from a professional I can trust).
It's not often that fair prices intersect with excellent work quality, as well as exceptional customer service, but IMA Motorwerke has figured out a way to balance it all. Do yourself and your car a favor and get it serviced by folks who are as passionate about your car as you are, and where you can build a relationship with a service provider you can trust.
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