[LtColumbo]

I'm in SoCal. I do as much of the routine maintenance as I can by myself.



I have had to take my car to a dealership on ONE occasion so far. It was not a good experience. They gave me a hard time when I told them I did not want them to use an impact wrench on the lug nuts. They scoffed and told me it was "industry standard" to use one. I asked them to show me where in the factory service manual it says to use an impact wrench!



They damaged my car and ONSTAR ratted out an employee for hotrodding the car around town! I complained to the manager and that employee was supposedly fired. On my way home, 25 miles away from the dealer, I got a phone call from them telling me that THEY HAD MY KEY and to not shut the car off!!



For warranty work, there is no other option other than going to a dealer. I did not see any threads on local dealership experiences. I'm thinking about the TSB for the A8. No symptoms...yet, but was wondering about doing it "preemptive."



I've worked at dealerships before. There is usually quite a turnover with mechanics. If you find a mechanic you like, GO WHEREVER THAT GUY GOES! You need to develop a relationship. The next time you go there, he may be gone.


Any recommendations in the San Fernando, Simi Valley areas...or even a bit further out??