Pampered Auto Care

12/07/09

Great Mechanics!

by lvamrathnz at Citysearch

I have a 2002 Audi TT Roadster that has had chronic problems, especially regarding the suspension, practically since the day it was brought home. My family and I became suspicious that Momentum Audi in Houston was not performing the work they said they were about 4 years after we bought it.

I found Pampered Auto Care in August of 2008, after a previous mechanic in Houston had forgotten to turn the reminder light off after one of the integral services. Pampered Auto Care didn't charge me anything for that so I decided to give them another shot when I needed more work done.

It turns out that that same previous mechanic had also forgotten to bolt on the driver's side sway bar after installing new struts, which had led to, among other things, that new left strut breaking. My mechanic Steve, who is their VW/Audi specialist, helped recommend a custom panzer plate (because the stock one was made of cheap plastic that did not protect the bottom of the car, and has led most TT drivers to experience a broken oil pan or two) from some custom part makers who he had worked with previously to design some jetta short-shifters.

Steve also did a custom install for me, on the spur of the moment around the holidays (because I only have one vehicle and can't afford to be without my car for too long), of some Koni Adjustable Yellows, Eibach springs, and specially made rear control arms. The car rides like a dream now; probably better that the day it was first brought home, and my TT is up for the daily challenges I put it through!

The prices always seem fair and reasonable, and Mark will call around to various parts suppliers trying to find you the best deal he can. There are never any surprises on how much things will cost...the estimates are always right on. If you have questions, the mechs will explain everything in layman's terms, and will even take you out into the garage to show you what's up.

If you feel like you are getting jerked around by your dealer's garage, be it anything from Ford and GM to Mercedes and BMW, I highly recommend Pampered Auto Care. I always talk other customers in the waiting room who have nothing but good things to say about this business, and I'm sure they will be able and willing to help you with whatever car problem you might have!

06/22/09

Very happy!

by CynthiaNash at Citysearch

My major reason to check the Pampered Auto Care was the reviews I read here. I’m so glad I trusted them and left my car to fix there. I have 06 BMW and last year had some problems with. I went two times to dealership, and after spending more than 3000 the leakage was still present, they told me that was normal!

Two weeks ago I decided and went to Pampered and since than my garage is spotless. Very, very happy!

• Pros: Pricing, timing, very clean waiting room
• Cons: None

05/24/09

Disappointed

by NA91 at Citysearch

I took my vehicle to Pampered Auto Care in Austin because of all the good reviews I had read online. I had first taken my car there in regards to a fluid leak I had noticied and thought was coming from a transmission front seal. They looked over the car and said they did not think this was where the leak was coming from and stated it was the valve covers. I asked them to change the valve covers seals, which they did and I took the car home the next day. That night I noticed the leak was still there in the same place. I brought it back and was told I will have to change the passenger valve cover because it was porous. I asked them to redo the job on that valve cover. After it was redone, the leak stopped. A few days later I noticed another leak and when I brought the car back they then stated that it was now the transmission front seal. I then gave the go ahead to change it, change the transmission fluid (which I provided 12 liters of esso lt 71141), the trans filter, pan gasket seal, two drain bolts (which I also provided) and replace the O-ring.

After picking up the car I noticed the next night that the car was making a whirring noise when put into reverse and when shifting. I took it back to them the next business day. They removed what they thought was the fill hole while the car was still running, and fluid came out and stated that the transmission was full and that the transmission was probably going bad. I took the car home and after reading forums I took it back. After discussing the concerns of transmission fluid again, they removed the drain hole again and fluid came out stating it was full and that they had worked on several similar vehicles like this one. I then asked if the 5HP24 transmission that was fitted in my vehicle only had one hole which was the drain/fill hole. I was told yes. I then stated I thought my trans had two holes, not one and asked what the hole was on the side of the transmission was.

The mechanic realized the mistake and used an electric pump with a container filled with transmission fluid although I still had two bottles of transmission fluid I had provided. They filled it up for approximately three minutes. They had not used the second bolt I had provided, however they did not return this to me. Manufacturer specs states that when the trans is filled, it would take 10 liters, however the trans wasn't full. They had given me two bottles back of the twelve I provided, but if the trans was not full what happened with the fluid?

I still have a leak, unknown damage due to having driven without enough trans fluid and doubts on the job done for a $1000.