Miata Mailing List: November 1994, Message #42
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   From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: DC AREA DEALER
   Date: Tue, 1 Nov 1994 23:22:02 -0500

The only time our '90A has been to a dealer since we bought it, was when it
went in for the 60k service (at about 80k - the previous owner got a bit
behind on the scheduled maint., you might say).  We took it to Ourisman in
Bethesda, mainly because I was given a coupon for a discount on the timing
belt replacement.  Ourisman's seems to have about the highest labor rates in
the area.  Nearly a year ago, they were $63/hr, as I recall.  Dunno if it's
still the same or not.  They found other things the car needed (naturally),
but I don't believe I was ripped off.  Front engine seals (3) were replaced,
so long as the front cover was off, and they found that one of the clutch
cylinders (slave, as I recall, without looking) was seeping a bit.  The
bottom line was something over $600, as I recall, but they did it right the
first time.  I didn't need to take the car back for something which was done
incorrectly, or not done, or whatever, the car was cleaned, I got a ride to
the Metro, etc.  Yeah, a clean car and a free three block ride are minor
points, but it's amazing how many businesses fail to deliver even on the
minor points.  The only thing I didn't care for, is that by the time I was
able to get there to pick up the car (close to 6:00 pm), there was no one
there to answer the specific questions I had when I looked at the bill.
(What type of oil was used for the change, etc.)  It was difficult to track
down answers to my questions the next day.
 
Bottom line:  I'd go back there again, even though it's somewhat out of the
way for me, and comparatively expensive.  I've had so much difficulty in
finding shops that can fix it right the first time, without breaking
something else, that paying another $50 or so just so I don't have to take
it back a couple times and wonder what they'll break this time - it's worth
it.  I know, the system shouldn't leave you in tears of frustration, but
nevertheless that seems to be the norm around the DC area.   As they say,
YMMV.  Good luck.
                                        --Jack M. & Kansei--