Re: Questions to ask when selecting Phaeton Workshop (PanEuropean)
Good question, Michael. Perhaps I am worrying unnecessarily, since I have no specific reason not to simply take it to the dealer that supplied. However this site and your postings in particular, has made me feel that it is worth first addressing the options, rather as one might when when choosing a dentist. I guess, above all, that the forum has shown me just how finely constructed this vehicle is, and how some repair issues are a struggle for some (though seldom you!).
I guess I am looking for a garage that can give me the sort of special relationship you have built up with your Toronto dealer. I would really like to attend the workship as you have managed to. I am an Architect/developer and certainly in my (building) trade there are firms you can work well with a firms you cannot, and one of my work theories is to take time to get the right tradesmen, then cherish and stick with them.
Also, unlike many of the forum members, I buy cars for cash (not on lease) and typically keep them for around 10 years. I don't like change, and accepting the costs of repairs as the cars get older, but like to treat them really well to minimise these.
It might also clarify my position a little if I explained that I have bought, for my family, three VW's (Polo, Polo, Golf+) off my nearest VW garage with whom I now have a good relationship. They are not Phaeton specialists. I really like VW (obviously) so this year decided to get a Phaeton for myself. I got prices from the two next nearest VW garages that did sell Phaeton, the best bid got the order. I was aware that the service information for Phaeton was centralised so concluded that I could, if I wanted to, migrate for that. The sales agent was very helpful, but has since left. I know no-one there now. I have just ordered some spares from the vendor and plan to go and pick these up shortly, at the same time I have arranged to meet their service folk (for the first time). Musing what to ask when I meet them, I made the first post above (and an earlier one seeking owners feeback generally on UK garages). I also looked through your table of contents for any leads; for example in your post: PhaetonTyre Wear, Information about Phaeton Wheel Alignment [Archived] where you refer to the Phaeton Wheel Alignment Tool - VAG 1944B and say that "The Phaeton (and Touareg as well) require a very sophisticated 4 wheel alignment tool in order to do the job properly. I believe that it is a 'brand standard' that every VW dealer who sells these vehicles must have such a tool, however, you may want to do 'due diligence' and make sure that your dealer has the correct equipment. " That was one question I planned to ask. Also whether they would let me attend when they did the work.
My nearest VW garage sales manager (who I have known personally for years) whilst not being Phaeton vendors do sell Taoureg (as of very recently); when I asked him he told me they could also service a Phaeton, though it would be a first for them. He is very professional, and will not want to poach the other garage's work the work, so it is very much for me to decide.
I also regularly drive through Germany to Switzerland, and on the basis that I use the car only for long distance travel, it struck me that my needs might also be met if I found a garage out there that impressed me. After all I am as likely to break down there as here, and I can plan servicing around my trips.
Taking all this into account, I guess I want to make my commitment where I feel the skills will be best.
PETER MILLS
Modified by PeterMills at 5:41 PM 11-2-2006
Modified by PeterMills at 5:42 PM 11-2-2006
Modified by PeterMills at 5:43 PM 11-2-2006
