OldSchool AG
01-19-2005, 07:14 AM
This is a totally unsolicited rave on my part-- I had a great experience with these guys this AM and just wanted to share it.
I needed to get my TT aligned after replacing struts, springs, and front bushings. I was told these guys, who are 5 min from my house in Alpharetta, have an alignment rack as well as tire monting / balancing equipment, so I figure I'll give 'em a shot. So far I'd only bought parts from them.
You don't get this kind of service at the chains. You don't even get it at Gran Turismo. First the tech asks "WHY" I need it aligned. Not to insult my intelligence, but to see if an alignment was really what I needed. At a chain, you ask for an alignment, you're damn well getting one. Probably wiper blades, an oil change, brakes, and an air filter too.
Next, he puts it on the rack, and looks up specs from Alldata, which he prints out. Then he calls me back to the shop and goes over each, as well as the current settings. Gran Turismo has NEVER done this. Sometimes chains do, but it's usually a ploy to sell you tie rod ends or wheel bearings or brakes. He even mentions he will tweak the suspension mounting points in the rear to correct the toe a bit (the TT quattro rear suspension is not otherwise adjustable). I know he did this cuz I heard the hammering. =) We talk about my desired settings, then Audis a bit, after which I retire to the waiting area to let him work -- I hate it when people look over my shoulder.
Finally, I see him & my TT disappear from the premises for a pretty long test drive. I'm fairly sure he's just having fun with the car. Fine w/me. He returns and comments how much he likes the car and the Koni/Neuspeed/Powerflex set-up. This is when I usually would ask for the "after" specs. I don't bother. These guys are German, and more importantly they're enthusiasts. I know he got it right. I'm totally convinced he did after driving it the 5 minutes home-- it's a completely different car!
Summary:
Gran Turismo-- true 'Murican car guys. I'd bring a Mustang there (if I had one) for tires & alignment. They've, however, just lost my European car business.
Chains-- hit or miss. I'd assume the guy who posts here from Butler tire is a car enthusiast. However, who knows what Tech you're gonna get if you just wander in.
German Master Tech-- I can't believe I'm so lucky to live 5 min from these guys. Maybe next time I'll muster the balls to ask Andreas if I can bum one of his roll-your-own cigarettes (pronounced with his accent SEEG UH RETTE.)
Oh, and it was only $60.
I needed to get my TT aligned after replacing struts, springs, and front bushings. I was told these guys, who are 5 min from my house in Alpharetta, have an alignment rack as well as tire monting / balancing equipment, so I figure I'll give 'em a shot. So far I'd only bought parts from them.
You don't get this kind of service at the chains. You don't even get it at Gran Turismo. First the tech asks "WHY" I need it aligned. Not to insult my intelligence, but to see if an alignment was really what I needed. At a chain, you ask for an alignment, you're damn well getting one. Probably wiper blades, an oil change, brakes, and an air filter too.
Next, he puts it on the rack, and looks up specs from Alldata, which he prints out. Then he calls me back to the shop and goes over each, as well as the current settings. Gran Turismo has NEVER done this. Sometimes chains do, but it's usually a ploy to sell you tie rod ends or wheel bearings or brakes. He even mentions he will tweak the suspension mounting points in the rear to correct the toe a bit (the TT quattro rear suspension is not otherwise adjustable). I know he did this cuz I heard the hammering. =) We talk about my desired settings, then Audis a bit, after which I retire to the waiting area to let him work -- I hate it when people look over my shoulder.
Finally, I see him & my TT disappear from the premises for a pretty long test drive. I'm fairly sure he's just having fun with the car. Fine w/me. He returns and comments how much he likes the car and the Koni/Neuspeed/Powerflex set-up. This is when I usually would ask for the "after" specs. I don't bother. These guys are German, and more importantly they're enthusiasts. I know he got it right. I'm totally convinced he did after driving it the 5 minutes home-- it's a completely different car!
Summary:
Gran Turismo-- true 'Murican car guys. I'd bring a Mustang there (if I had one) for tires & alignment. They've, however, just lost my European car business.
Chains-- hit or miss. I'd assume the guy who posts here from Butler tire is a car enthusiast. However, who knows what Tech you're gonna get if you just wander in.
German Master Tech-- I can't believe I'm so lucky to live 5 min from these guys. Maybe next time I'll muster the balls to ask Andreas if I can bum one of his roll-your-own cigarettes (pronounced with his accent SEEG UH RETTE.)
Oh, and it was only $60.