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VOLVO MECHANIC[ALL/1988] posted by han 850T5 on
Friday, 30 January 1998, at 1:50 p.m.
DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD TRUSTY VOLVO SHOP IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA? ANYONE IN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY?
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
HAN
Re: VOLVO MECHANIC[ALL/1988] posted by Vernman on
Wednesday, 4 February 1998, at 3:33 p.m.
OK not exactly L.A. County, but if you're at the eastern side this may help. I have had a couple of older Volvos (77 & 82) and when I knew I was in over my head I've taken them to Traynor's Volvo in Rancho Cucamonga. Tim Traynor is the owner. He is factory trained and his shop only works on Volvos. He uses Volvo parts and isn't cheap. I was totally at his mercy the first time I took a car in, he could have sold me anything as I was at wits end with a fuel injection problem. All they did was charge me for cleaning a sticking valve. Since then I've been back about 5 times. With the bill comes a list of things to keep an eye on which has also been most helpfull. I was last there about 3 months ago because I couldn't deal with the pressure fuel line from the pre-pump. Anyway, if you live in Woodland Hills this isn't much use, but maybe for someone else.
Re: VOLVO MECHANIC[ALL/1988] posted by han 850T5 on
Wednesday, 4 February 1998, at 7:24 p.m.
appreciate your post Vernman. i think Rancho Cucamonga is a bit of trip for me. i'll keep the info handy, though.
thanks
han
VOLVO SHOPS IN L.A.[ALL/1988] posted by D. Byrnes on
Wednesday, 4 February 1998, at 8:51 p.m.
Depends on your model... A good place to get references from is the clubs VSA, VCOA, etc.
I found Hi Performance Auto in Torrance [310-533-0271] (s. of LA, just off the 405) to be a GODSEND, since nobody seemed to know what the hell to do with a 122s, much less SU carbs. Hi Performance (auspiciously formerly called "OVO: Old Volvos Only") SPECIALIZES in the 122s and P1800s. They know the cars inside and out and not only are they VERY thorough and reasonably priced (and will discuss finding used parts to save $$$$) , but they will TALK to you about your car! Wow! Such a rarity!
For my 240, I just go with the dealers: Westside Volvo in Culver City and Studio City Volvo/Saab. Both perfectly fine, I have a slight bias toward Westside Volvo (VCOA discount, bigger place).
I have also personally tried out the following shops (diagnostics, minor work) and here's my own opinions - call around to find who you're comfortable with.
€Updated Auto Repair S.La Cienega. AAA approved with discounts. Eli loves 122S. They are very good at building relationships and loyalty with customers. Trustworthy, fair prices.
€RV Volvo S. Central Ave in Glendale. Good people, father & soon have been working on Volvos forever, even know the PVs.
€Swedish Motors on S. LaBrea - quite pricey and not terribly willing to talk to you about your car. Word is that they're good (place is always packed), but they broke the light cover on my 122s (why were they taking it off anyway?) and tried to hide it by gluing it to (and fucking up) my headliner (nice). I won't be going back, ever.
And finally - I got many recommendations for Swedish Car Center on Lincoln Blvd. in Venice. I never made it there, but talking to Chris on the phone confirmed that he's knowledgable and pleasant to deal with.
I hope that's helpful. I'm happy to pass on my findings, since I could have used some help when I first started looking! If anybody has anything to add, I'd be happy to get more info.
Good luck,
d
Re: VOLVO SHOPS IN L.A.[ALL/1988] posted by han chung on
Thursday, 5 February 1998, at 12:47 a.m.
thanks D.,
I have a 97 850T5 wagon and currently take my baby to Kramer Volvo in Santa Monica. Do you know anything about them? They seem to do a good job in terms of basic scheduled maintenance, but when I tell them that I feel like the car has a particular problem either they try to fix it (which they do, I think and the next day it's back) or they say their "guys" took a look at it and found nothing. I had them install the factory fog lights and when I got the car back, it was like they just drilled a few holes on the spoiller and ripped a hole for the lights. So I had to take it back the next day so that they could properly finish the job. Still don't look quite right. Worst part of the story was that when I asked the service guy to adjust the fog lights to point higher, he said that they are not adjustable. So I figure, it's not worth my time and drove off with a big question mark asking myself why they install a fog light when the driver can't even see the light beyon the hood line. I fixed it myself.
Sorry for the long message. and thanks again for the information. It helped a lot.
I'll try the Updated Auto Repair or RV Volvo.
thanks.
han
Re: VOLVO SHOPS IN L.A.[ALL/1988] posted by bn on
Friday, 6 February 1998, at 11:20 a.m.
Bay cities motors is pretty good. call for labor prices and parts prices.
part prices may be kind of expensive since they get it from dealers, so it
might be better to buy the parts first and then bring in your car.
(if you know what needs to be done).
I am very satified with their service and the head mechanic is helpful in
giving tips.
south bay area. on aviation near artesia cross street.
372-3308, 379-6867
someone recommended 2 guys from sweden in west la.
he said they were very honest and did a great job.
can't find their phone number though.
Re: VOLVO SHOPS IN L.A.[ALL/1988] posted by Ted Y. on
Thursday, 12 February 1998, at 11:43 p.m.
Were the 2 guys Jimmy W. and Chris J. ? If so, I know who you are talking about..