Seattle Area Porsche Service Review
02-22-2003, 01:03 PM
#1
Racer
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Seattle Area Porsche Service Review
I thought I'd post about service experiences I've had in the Seattle Area. I finally feel like i've found the right one and thought I would share.
I've been to:
Paul Weir
Did PPI & 30K svc. when first bought the car. They're expensive and now shut down. I heard though that they reopened somewhere else in seattle under a different name.... wouldn't recommend.
Johnny Walkers
had an oil change and a couple things checked.
Pricing seems reasonable, but he's not very detailed on customer requests. When I had the oil change done i asked him to check out a couple other things and he didn't...
I get the impression he also works w/ more pre-1995 Porsches.
Finally I left him a v-mail to have brakes done and no return call! fine, that business is gone...maybe he didn't get the msg.
Barrier Porsche
Had the wiring harness done there. i was very impressed with the customer service and thought to myself, a dealer for service may just be the way to go. They quoted what brakes would be, they were a bit higher then Akers, $1300 vs. 1100 (that's pads, rotors, labor, sensors, tax F&R). What prevented me from going back is was my engine hood strut needed replacement....they quoted me $235 parts & lab! I'll pass and can deal with the lid sagging a little until i figured something out.
Squires
I had an engine seal replacement done there. This was a known issue when I bought the car, was dripping a tad. Got it done under warranty. Squires is very good and highly recommended. He was really hesitant about dealing w/ my service contract for payment, but after going though it was fine. He seems reasonably priced, a lot of experience and only heard positive things. Only down side it's a bit of a drive for me since I'm in seattle. Cust svc., good but not as excellent as akers.
Akers
I live in seattle and thought I'd try Denny Akers for the now well needed brake job. They got me in quickly, very responsive. Relatively good price quote. I asked them to check on a few other things: Engine lid struts which they fixed for $65 parts and labor!, Oil/filter change was competitive at $150, i was getting a bit of moisture in my passenger headlight on highway drives in hard rain. they took it apart didn't see anything wrong, added a sealer compound to the seals -- no charge. Had the brake fluid flushed (lapping days) $70. The family also is really into Porsches, they do vintage racing and the shop looks like a Porsche museum, everything from 356s to 996s. Shop doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's where I'll be going from now on (they're also in seattle, close).
thought I'd share.
I've been to:
Paul Weir
Did PPI & 30K svc. when first bought the car. They're expensive and now shut down. I heard though that they reopened somewhere else in seattle under a different name.... wouldn't recommend.
Johnny Walkers
had an oil change and a couple things checked.
Pricing seems reasonable, but he's not very detailed on customer requests. When I had the oil change done i asked him to check out a couple other things and he didn't...
I get the impression he also works w/ more pre-1995 Porsches.
Finally I left him a v-mail to have brakes done and no return call! fine, that business is gone...maybe he didn't get the msg.
Barrier Porsche
Had the wiring harness done there. i was very impressed with the customer service and thought to myself, a dealer for service may just be the way to go. They quoted what brakes would be, they were a bit higher then Akers, $1300 vs. 1100 (that's pads, rotors, labor, sensors, tax F&R). What prevented me from going back is was my engine hood strut needed replacement....they quoted me $235 parts & lab! I'll pass and can deal with the lid sagging a little until i figured something out.
Squires
I had an engine seal replacement done there. This was a known issue when I bought the car, was dripping a tad. Got it done under warranty. Squires is very good and highly recommended. He was really hesitant about dealing w/ my service contract for payment, but after going though it was fine. He seems reasonably priced, a lot of experience and only heard positive things. Only down side it's a bit of a drive for me since I'm in seattle. Cust svc., good but not as excellent as akers.
Akers
I live in seattle and thought I'd try Denny Akers for the now well needed brake job. They got me in quickly, very responsive. Relatively good price quote. I asked them to check on a few other things: Engine lid struts which they fixed for $65 parts and labor!, Oil/filter change was competitive at $150, i was getting a bit of moisture in my passenger headlight on highway drives in hard rain. they took it apart didn't see anything wrong, added a sealer compound to the seals -- no charge. Had the brake fluid flushed (lapping days) $70. The family also is really into Porsches, they do vintage racing and the shop looks like a Porsche museum, everything from 356s to 996s. Shop doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's where I'll be going from now on (they're also in seattle, close).
thought I'd share.
02-22-2003, 02:54 PM
#2
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Yes, I would like to add to your list Chris's German Auto Service
and Redmond European Inc. Both perform excellent work.
There's also a service shop at Bellevue Park Place motors.
I echo your assessment of Paul Weir - from the many customer stories
I've heard -I would not recommend them. I have been using Squire's
and Redmond European on a regular basis.
It's difficult to assess the work of others based on a few repairs.
Some may have unforeseen circumstances that will not allow them
perform to expectation. I have notice that P-car service shops
tend to be more customer friendly, they know
we're good for the final bill....
and Redmond European Inc. Both perform excellent work.
There's also a service shop at Bellevue Park Place motors.
I echo your assessment of Paul Weir - from the many customer stories
I've heard -I would not recommend them. I have been using Squire's
and Redmond European on a regular basis.
It's difficult to assess the work of others based on a few repairs.
Some may have unforeseen circumstances that will not allow them
perform to expectation. I have notice that P-car service shops
tend to be more customer friendly, they know
we're good for the final bill....
02-22-2003, 03:19 PM
#3
I would like to clarify some comments the poster of this topic made. Paul Weir Service Inc has closed and the business is not trading any longer.
Several of the former employees were fortunate to be able to start another business under the ownership of Mr. Walter Gerber, an extremely respected name within the Porsche world (chief engineer for the Daytona 24hr class-winning car for Peterson Racing 996GT3R, race engineer for Bayside racing, etc......).
Mr Weir has no connection with Gerber Motorsport Inc.
I most intrigued that without any contact with the business it can be stated "can't recommend them". Call 206-352-6911 to find out the real story.
Several of the former employees were fortunate to be able to start another business under the ownership of Mr. Walter Gerber, an extremely respected name within the Porsche world (chief engineer for the Daytona 24hr class-winning car for Peterson Racing 996GT3R, race engineer for Bayside racing, etc......).
Mr Weir has no connection with Gerber Motorsport Inc.
I most intrigued that without any contact with the business it can be stated "can't recommend them". Call 206-352-6911 to find out the real story.
02-22-2003, 09:07 PM
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
GMS -
"Can't recommend is a fair comment in my book.
Maybe the new ownership has changed things....but same service tech now at Gerber (which was Paul Weir) called me after the change to let me know -- keep the customer list...If my experience at Paul was good, I probably would've moved over...unfortunately Paul Weir over-charged for services and weren't that responsive on car service status when the car was in. So why would I recommend the same lackluster service & high prices because of new ownership and name change?? -- It's still the same service tech answering the phone, scheduling and quoting. Again, maybe mgmt. has fixed that, but I'm not chancing it wouldn't advise others to and have found an excellent shop in the same neighborhood. Kind of like having a terrible stock broker but now giving a recommendation becuase he's switched firms....
"Can't recommend is a fair comment in my book.
Maybe the new ownership has changed things....but same service tech now at Gerber (which was Paul Weir) called me after the change to let me know -- keep the customer list...If my experience at Paul was good, I probably would've moved over...unfortunately Paul Weir over-charged for services and weren't that responsive on car service status when the car was in. So why would I recommend the same lackluster service & high prices because of new ownership and name change?? -- It's still the same service tech answering the phone, scheduling and quoting. Again, maybe mgmt. has fixed that, but I'm not chancing it wouldn't advise others to and have found an excellent shop in the same neighborhood. Kind of like having a terrible stock broker but now giving a recommendation becuase he's switched firms....
02-22-2003, 09:26 PM
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Paul Weir's mechanics are now at Gerber Motorsports. Located near the 15th ave. bridge (Ballard). My experience with Gerber is limited to a 30K service, but it was positive.
02-22-2003, 10:53 PM
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I have used Squire for 10 yrs this April and all I can add is he and his mechanics Tony and Randy are excellent and ethically beyond reproach. He did a 993 transplant into my 84 Targa that looks Factory and performs flawlessly. He knows my car in and out and whenever it comes out of his shop even for minor things it always seems to run better. I've been to other shops (none of those mentioned) and have had some disappointments. One place not mentioned that I do recommend is Henry Luft's B & H Motors. IMHO
02-23-2003, 12:52 AM
#7
I am the " service tech" at Gerber Motorsport and was previously the service adviser at Paul Weir.
The situation was that Mr. Weir determined prices of both labor and parts. Generally that meant labor hours and parts prices exceeded other shops. I do not believe that the services offered were carried out any less well than other shops, but prices needed to be adjusted and Mr. Weirs personality and judgement on business matters was a constant problem.
As refered to previously Monty of Redmond European moved on to his own shop and learnt the lessons of Paul Weirs business practices. We at Gerber Motorsport have been steadily increasing the business since July 2001 and are only too aware of how important personal service is inthe industry.
The situation was that Mr. Weir determined prices of both labor and parts. Generally that meant labor hours and parts prices exceeded other shops. I do not believe that the services offered were carried out any less well than other shops, but prices needed to be adjusted and Mr. Weirs personality and judgement on business matters was a constant problem.
As refered to previously Monty of Redmond European moved on to his own shop and learnt the lessons of Paul Weirs business practices. We at Gerber Motorsport have been steadily increasing the business since July 2001 and are only too aware of how important personal service is inthe industry.
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02-23-2003, 02:18 AM
#8
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I may as well chime in on this. I would give John Walker an excellent rating for 911's up to 94. He certainly can do tune-ups on a 993 (I did my 60K, all your doing is swapping parts)but I don't know if he's equipped with a Bosch hammer to pull error codes etc. John's prices are the best when I've shopped around.
Gerber Motor Sport is also very capable, Mark's the service mgr, very knowledgeable and a very able staff. Was happy with the work they did on my prior 911SC.
Gerber Motor Sport is also very capable, Mark's the service mgr, very knowledgeable and a very able staff. Was happy with the work they did on my prior 911SC.
02-23-2003, 09:31 PM
#9
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Ill add a bit.
Had a prior SC and had some work done by Paul Weir.. I will say everything was done right and could see how the upper athorities were not running the shop correctly..
I have dealt with Mark (GMS) and i'd have to say he himself is top notch. Anytime i had a minor problem or anything i needed to ask he would thoroughly go over everything and help with what he could and saved me from a tow truck once from over the phone.. So all +++++++ to Mark there.. Now maybe things are diff over at the new shop.
Now i don't live there anymore and down in vegas where i got a good friend!!!
Had a prior SC and had some work done by Paul Weir.. I will say everything was done right and could see how the upper athorities were not running the shop correctly..
I have dealt with Mark (GMS) and i'd have to say he himself is top notch. Anytime i had a minor problem or anything i needed to ask he would thoroughly go over everything and help with what he could and saved me from a tow truck once from over the phone.. So all +++++++ to Mark there.. Now maybe things are diff over at the new shop.
Now i don't live there anymore and down in vegas where i got a good friend!!!
02-24-2003, 02:08 PM
#10
i'm sorry, i didn't get your message. i occasionally have the same problem when i leave someone a Vm, or e/mail, and a second try never hurts. i do have a bosch hammer. aker's should do a good job for you. it's been a pleasure doing business with you nonetheless.
02-24-2003, 02:51 PM
#11
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Hey JW,
Saw your wanted ad:
Its not a window van... But I can highly recommend it:
<img src="http://thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/112192.jpg" alt=" - " />
<a href="http://thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/index.mv?photo+200302091640261745" target="_blank">click for more</a>
Saw your wanted ad:
Its not a window van... But I can highly recommend it:
<img src="http://thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/112192.jpg" alt=" - " />
<a href="http://thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/index.mv?photo+200302091640261745" target="_blank">click for more</a>
02-24-2003, 10:00 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by GMS:
<strong>...As refered to previously Monty of Redmond European moved on to his own shop and learnt the lessons of Paul Weirs business practices.... </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Okay, you've got my attention. I've had Monty do work for me in the past, and have only had good experiences. His prices, in particular, seem to be better than anywhere else that I've found.
Do you know something that I don't?
By the way, I've been totally screwed by Paul Weir in the past, so I've been a little leery of Gerber because of it.
Erick
<strong>...As refered to previously Monty of Redmond European moved on to his own shop and learnt the lessons of Paul Weirs business practices.... </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Okay, you've got my attention. I've had Monty do work for me in the past, and have only had good experiences. His prices, in particular, seem to be better than anywhere else that I've found.
Do you know something that I don't?
By the way, I've been totally screwed by Paul Weir in the past, so I've been a little leery of Gerber because of it.
Erick
02-25-2003, 08:34 AM
#14
Erick, I was refering to the fact that Monty had made a success of his business because, like us, he has learnt the the way Paul Weir ran a Porsche service business was not the the way to build long term relationships with customers.
09-06-2009, 09:56 PM
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Seattle area PCA members - I'm considerring purchasing a 98 993 in the Seattle, WA area (Newcastle) and was curious if there might be someone interested or able to provide me with an assist in checking the car out in person to save me from flying up there - I'm also going to have a porsche shop (Chris's German Auto Service) do a PPI - but there's nothing like a real porschefile checking out the car, doing a walkaround, taking a little drive you know? I probably need to fly up there but I'm in Texas and it's not a one day zip out and back type of situation. Thanks in advance to anyone who might be able to help me with this - I can pay a fee to borrow your eyes, ears, expertise - thanks again. George - my email is gcela@comcast.net and my cell is 281 948 4438