I'm a hard core NPR listener and a big fan of the Car Talk show, and I tend to trust the show's listeners' opinions. So when I just moved here and my GTI needed service, I didn't hesitate to go to the Car Talk web site's Mechanics Files (used to be called Mechani-X Files or something, but must have had copyright issues).
And it delivered. I went to the highest rated neighborhood mechanic, Louis Foreign Auto Repair shop, which used to be owned by Louis but now run by Dan Richardson who bought it from Louis after years of working there. This is an old school shop with the sign you can barely read, so if you want a shop that's shiny with donuts and coffee machine, it isn't for you.
What the shop does is take care of your car. Dan is not an overly chatty guy and is not into fluff, but he knows his stuff. He always seems to estimate a little higher than what you would actually pay, so there's no surprise, and it's usually a good estimate. He looks out for you (your car) and wouldn't do things that are not necessary, so you know you're not getting ripped off. When there are multiple options, he would explain them to you along with pros and cons and lets you choose. They are also super quick. I dropped my car off for service the other day, and I swear Dan called me back within an hour. I trust this man completely - he's honest and competent, as simple as that, but that seems hard to come by in today's auto industry.
P.S. Apparently he's an expert in older VW engine rebuild, if you have an older bus, etc., he's the man.
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