dimnslow

Just wondering if you guys can give me some good recommendations on where I should take my car to get parts fixed, replaced, or just for some good old maintenance. I much rather not spend $800-900 at a dealership for regular maintenance.

If any of you San Francisco Bay Area locals know of any good auto shops or mechanics that you trust and take your 996 to, please leave their information here.

I'm looking to get my suspension either fixed or replaced, but may look into aftermarket parts to replace the old OEM parts. I know dealers can't do that. Also, for the future, I rather not spend an arm and a leg to get the regular 15k service/oil change.

Thanks in advance!

Dr_KarlB

Golden Gate region PCA have some on their website.
I have used Modderman before for minor service. 15k was about $350 in think... but i needed a pollen filter and new MAF so it added up to much more.
Reitmers Werkstadt (sp?) in Los Altos also did a tech inspect and specilise in Porsche.
For suspension and alignment all the local shops go to Custom Alignment in Mountain View anyway (Modderman and RMG in Sunnyvale send all their alignment work to them)

discoganya

Many good indies in the Bay Area, see:

http://www.pca-ggr.org/localmech.cgi

I've used Moddermann (for the initial PPI), Devek (for tyre mounting) and CT Automotive (for brakes). All three were very good. They certainly knew what they were talking about, had 10-15 other p-cars in their shop, and gave me better rates than the stealer. Most also offer a years warranty on the work (stealer gives two years warranty).

For major work in the past (RMS, IMS, Cam cover leaks) I've taken the car (under warranty) to the stealer -- but since the my warranty has expired I'm planning on sticking with an indy. If you go to an autocross event, you can get many more recommendations for mechanics. It's amazing how many people steer clear of the stealer.

BTW, did I see your car for sale on craigslist? I think I've seen the same pic as your avatar ...

dimnslow

Hi discoganya,

Thank you for the advice! It's nice to know there's so many great shops around the area. I had to pay $800+ for my 30K service at the dealer!

Yes, I did have my car on craigslist a while back. A wholesaler friend had a GT3 for a great price but the deal fell through, so I am definitely keeping my car

I am a bit torn between Modderman and Devek. They're both pretty close to me. Anyone has any suggestions/ reasons why I shouldn't go to one vs. another? May just come down to price.

AmirShaikh

What about SharkyMotorwerks..or Sharkwerks...somethng like that...owned by Alex Ross.

I haven't had any work done there (cuz I didn't have a P-car back then) but they have a nice shop.

thanks,
Amir

discoganya

Sharkwerks in Fremont is also a great shop. He also sponsors Rennlist, and occasionally posts updates about his monstrous projects . I've been there once and it was great service.

Moddermann works on all sorts of Porsches from 356s to 993s. Devek is a 928 specialist (The owners even have the speed record in a 928). Both have been great ... no real reason to negate either.

reddizon

Brad at BTM Motorwerks in Campbell is very good...

Gnome

FWIW, I called Sharkwerks to do my 30k maintenance earlier this year. They told me they don't really do just routine maintenance and suggested I take the car to the dealer for that.

dimnslow

I just talked to Alex from Sharkwerks and they were very nice to me, but he told me the same thing. Because of how many vehicles they have in their shop for aftermarket tuning, he suggests I go to Carlsen for my maintenance.

Still doesn't solve my problem of finding somewhere cheaper for maintenance. I may just take my car to the Redwood City spot.

Also, I just put in a bid on eBay for a X74 suspension package. Lets hope they will get to install that for my car at around the same time of my maintenance!

RGrnwd

Anyone had any experience with any indies in Marin County?

dimnslow

This may be a silly point to ask but I'm assuming if I do take my car to the indy spots, my loaner will be my gf picking me up, not an another P-car or Audi right?

discoganya

The best I've got is a ride to the train station.

Stealers do give you a rental/loaner. You could get a rental yourself when your car is at the Indy -- usually they have tie ups for pickup and drop off and rates are pretty good ($20 a day).