Who thinks about foreign auto repair shops while involved in the exciting purchase of your precision European import? Not many, but there will come a time not too long after getting home that you realize you have to find a reliable and trustworthy auto repair shop to keep it in peak condition.
And…the best time to search for one is BEFORE you need one. Googling, you discover that there seem to be a million auto repair centers. A little reading and you discover that even though it has four wheels and an engine, your European import is as different from domestic autos as your spouse is from you.
There are several ways to find the right foreign auto repair center for your European import. The best way is word-of-mouth. Ask friends or associates who drive your make of import where they go, and why. Being convenient and having cheap rates don’t qualify as suitable recommendations. Technicians certified for your make of import, great warranties, lots of good customer recommendations, a guarantee that the invoice will not exceed the estimate, and ASA, ASE, or other certifications are great reasons to do further research into a nearby foreign auto repair shop.
Checking online with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to make sure there are no outstanding complaints against the foreign car repair center you’re looking into is a good ideas, as is googling to see if there are any online reviews of it. If it passes all these hurdles, it’s time to visit your local foreign car repair center.
First impressions: is it clean and orderly, with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for your European import? Do you see the technicians’ accreditations on the walls, and are any accredited by the maker of your import? Ask any customers you find why they chose this foreign auto repair center over others, and do they recommend the shop? Do their estimates accurately reflect the final invoice totals?
Next, find out what warranties they offer on parts and work done. A good foreign auto repair shop will offer a 1-year/12,000 mile warranty while high quality shops will give you a 2-year/24,000 mile warranty. Do they offer local shuttle service or loaner cars for major repairs? Do they have a clean and comfortable waiting area?
Are they able to do maintenance and warranty work on your import without invalidating your manufacturer’s warranty? Watch them interact with the customers there. You’d be surprised what you can learn by seeing the front desk and technicians in action.
Though looking for a reliable foreign car repair center ranks in some people’s estimates with having teeth pulled, it is far less stressful to do it early. Maintaining routinely scheduled maintenance is the best way to avoid most breakdowns and will keep your fine European import operating at maximum performance. Keeping your tires in condition, fluids and filters clean, and your engine tuned will also maximize your fuel mileage. You’ll enjoy your European import more in the years to come if you find a quality foreign auto repair shop today.
We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Downtown, River Oaks, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.
