Saga Continues
I thought I'd update you on my situation (et 9/06), in case you want to start a new column called "The Shit List."
I finally got my car back from (name withheld) about a month ago. It was the day before they left for Waterfest, and five months after my project started. They were in a hurry to get my car back to me and depart for NJ, but things weren't exactly perfect. Granted, the car had a lot of work done to it, but it wasn't really finished. The most apparent things neglected were the brake booster, speedo and alignment. The entire brake system was upgraded, except for the booster. The one in there wasn't good, and should've been replaced; I'd have been happy to pay for it at the time, but they were suddenly in a hurry to get my car back to me.
As for the speedo, I was told they had replaced the gauge cluster twice, and that this second set was also faulty. The first set was from my GTI, and I don't recall having a problem with it. I was on my own with it because they'd already replaced the original one at no cost to me.
As for the alignment, that's ridiculous. How the hell are you going to replace the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires and not do the alignment? Again, I'd have no problem paying for this had it been brought to my attention.
The morning after I picked up the car, the brakes locked up on the highway. The car's been in for repair ever since. I had it towed to a local shop where it sat for two weeks. I got tired of waiting and had it towed to another shop, where it's been for the last few weeks. They finally diagnosed the problem and I may get it back by the end of the week.
I called the tuner and told him I was going to get the car fixed and that I'd return to his shop with receipts (including the tow) and any parts that were defective. He didn't take this well, and we proceeded to have an awkward, immature and unprofessional conversation.
The moral to this story is that the most important thing you can do if you're into cars is learn how to build your own vehicle. The second best thing is to make sure you know everything about your mechanic.Nick RiceEmail
At least you got your car back! Sorry, we're not helping. It does seem ridiculous the way many shops disrespect their customers and wonder why they lose work. Hopefully when you get the car running properly, it'll be everything you ever wanted.
Stern Beetle
I just finished reading your Editor's letter (et 8/06) and I liked your idea for the R GTI - I'd more than likely buy one if it ever came. However, the main reason I'm writing is in regards to the subject of a special issue. You put out specials on the Mk2, track days, 21-page show coverage, and most recently an Audi A4 quattro 1.8T issue (et 8/06) but what about the car everybody thinks of when they hear Volkswagen: The New Beetle? I don't care if you're two or 82, when you see the VW symbol you think of the Beetle. But the car gets no respect at et. It's often referred to as "too bubbly" or "a girl's car". Yet there are numerous guys out there, myself included, who'd like to see them in the mag.
Granted, you included big Frank's green Beetle nearly a year ago (et 1/05), but other than that, the previous one was years ago.
I was at Waterfest a year ago and there were some amazing Beetles on display, but none were featured or even appeared in the report. There's plenty of nice ones, so how about a New Beetle issue for the peeps? Call it the black sheep issue!