Unfortunately, the only tool in my tool box is a Mont Blanc pen (to write checks with)! So, I've relied John and Anson since I've owned my MINI. Chuck turned me on to them. They've done mechanical stuff, as well as adding a bunch of after market bits and pieces. His labor costs have always been competitive and his work first rate. When I was on one of my lets add more stuff and spend more money on my MINI kicks, he actually talked me out of adding a set of expensive drilled and slotted rotors/pads to the car. Said i didn't need them. He could have easily just done what I'd asked and banked the $$$. Chris, it's unfortunate and frustrating that he has not performed to your standards. It happens. You can't please all of the people all of the time - I'm sure, as you well know. We need to know about the good and the bad. You're an excellent and trustworthy mechanic, and as long as I'm living in Ohio no one but you, and that crazy "Scotsman" will ever work on my Rover. As for the MINI, I feel the same way about John and Anson.
My experience with Best Motor Werks is limited to the last 12 months, in that time I’ve been happy with the service received. John has always been available to answer my many questions but ATST deferred anything specific to his mechanic [Anson]. In that time they’ve changed my oil, swapped some aftermarket lights and replaced timing chain. Unpacking the bulbs Anson dropped one that required a replacement. They adjusted the bill so I ended up coming out ahead. Several months later one burnt out and they popped in the replacement I had N/C [Goodyear wanted $80]. When I developed a coolant leak John walked me through the process of “flushing†the system so the heater functioned. Instead of pushing a repair he suggested I could keep an eye on it and if I kept losing coolant to bring it in [knock on wood so far]. When the timing belt was replaced I was about due for an oil change and he threw that in N/C. Next scheduled work is routine service which coupled with a brake flush he reduced the cost if done ATST. While I do not have a long history with them I have no complaints with the service and no surprises with pricing or time needed to complete the work.
Probably a case by case decision depending on the issue and the part supplied. I'd call to discuss. I've often found that after figuring in shipping that parts prices at Best (incl tax) are comparable in cost for most OEM items.
I think if you bring in aftermarket parts Best seems to be happy to install those. My experience. Just my .02 on repair parts would you bring your own food to a restaurant & expect them to cook it for you at a reduced rate? Best call them & ask. Much better than internet speculation.
I have read this thread and I think it's really lame to trash a local business on a web forum they are not on. Grow a set and go in and talk to them about your issue but don't spread crap around the web like a little upset teenage girl. Just my $.02 from the outside looking in.
Dave, the people that have mentioned issues with them have talked to them about the issues. You trash the F56 and MINI isn't here to defend itself. 1st amendment in action and I shall defend it.
This coming from the guy that trashes more things than a garbage man. Yes the problems have been brought to their attention in person. Once there is a result it will be posted.
The 1st amendment does not apply to M\A, Nathan has been over that already. The F56 is a car not a person.
Slagging off any paying sponsors hurts Nathan. It's not a democracy, if Nathan doesn't like it he should just delete whatever we say.
FWIW I had Best install PIAA lights I provided no questions asked. Having front brake work done in a few weeks - I'll have them quote me on installing TSW springs and bump stops vs Discount Tire.
I'd make sure Discount tire knows how to work on a MINI. Odds are they may never have done a suspension change on one. Edit.... Best knows MINI's.
I have Auto Assets in Powell do my suspension mods. Having a race team they know what is required. Just my .02
Called BEST Motor Works today... John answered the phone... I told him I would like to get some ATE Brake fluid SL.6 in the 1L can... He said they only have it in bulk at the shop... He offered to get it ordered for me and would have it for me to pick up this Friday in the afternoon before closing... I said "Great", let's go with 2L's... I didn't haggle over the price, but he offered up a discount on his own.... I wasn't expecting that... I was just happy with the quick service... Win - Win
I'm glad to hear lots of positives. My customer never was able to resolve his issue with best so I'll be checking it for him. We all get that one or 2 problem cars that are a pain to get right I guess.