German Motor Werks

I was relieved to find a local shop that specializes in german cars to look at a couple problems I was having with my 2002 VW Golf. Unfortunately, when I walked into the shop there was no hi or hello, just a snarl of ""what do you want?!"" from the woman behind the front desk. \r \r I usually do all of the maintenance myself but for those jobs that I don't want to do or do not have the time to do I like to have a shop in mind where I can take the car. It's a shame too, as I was able to talk to the technicians a little bit and I felt more comfortable about bringing my car back in the future.\r \r I want to support the small businesses of Pittsburgh but the very poor customer service is so unnecessary and insufferable. I understand that quality of the work should come first but that does not mean that I am willing to suffer a barrage of insults to have my car serviced. As a result of her service, this shop falls into the category of ""we're doing you a favor by servicing your vehicle"" garage. \r \r I will not go back to GMW until they change their customer service. more

Don't let the other reviews scare you. This place is top notch, they have the knowledge and experience that is key for any European repair shop. Terry is nice enough, and when I judge a repair shop, I consider the quality of the work, the pricing, and their honesty; all of which GMW exceeds in greatly. If what you really want is a friendly smiling face, try your local dealership... and pay a fortune. Trust me, GMW is fantastic and the only place in Pittsburgh to trust with your expensive foreign automobile. more

Good stuff! Cool place and in the city! Pros: Location, speed more

I have a 1997 Jetta I got my e-brake cables replaced(1.5hr) + rear shoes(1hr), power steering hose replaced(1hr), and oil and filter. I brought my own parts + fluids with exception of brake shoes and steering fluid. Total price including taxes and shop fee $355. Not bad. Labor rate seems to be $65/hour. Parts don't seem to be marked up much if at all (brake shoes at least: $43 for full set). I had some of the internal panels disassembled to try and work on the brake cables myself, and they fixed all that up nicely for me without even having to ask. They did an assessment for me as well while they were down there at my request and let me know what else could use work without pressuring me to make any specific repairs. Pros: Excelent work, Good Price Cons: Could be a little friendlier more

I have had repeated good experiences here. I have a German car that is out of warranty (no more dealership people dressed like doctors) and getting along in mileage. I am always on the lookout for signs that my efforts to keep it in top shape and road worthy are reasonable in cost. I spent the time to learn about my car's mechanicals and I take care of things before they result in failures. Mechanics hate cars that are basket cases and their owners who only want item #1 (off a list of many) fixed, failing to understand the association things can have. These are customers better suited for a nice used GM. If German Motor Werks has quirks, I attribute it to their interests. The experiences they have with customers not suited to the stewardship of an aging German make that is long out of warranty. Just because its paid for doesn't mean you will have no expenses. When you have a sudden mechanical malfunction and want it fixed ASAP, don't lay that at anyones' feet (or desk). Get your attitude in check before you call or visit any place including these folks; your car's mechanical malfunction is not their fault. Neither is your accumulated deferred maintenance and results from that. Its my experience that they listen to you well. You owe them the same if there is any additional problem complicating a 100% result. They are only responding to what you said your expectations are. If you have other objectives, be clear before they begin your work. Pros: People able to do what they love and know Cons: Know something about your car; you could drive a Buick more

They charged me $100 to my brakes stop squeaking but it really didn't work. So I went back to them after a few weeks. Terry at the front desk is so extremely rude. She tried to avoid looking the brakes by giving random excuses including that two months had elapsed since they fixed it (she knew fully well that only a month had elapsed). But that's beside the point because they supposedly offer a 12 month warranty on services. They ultimately never did fix the squeak an that was money down the drain. Terry is so extremely rude and obxonious and that is reason enough to avoid them. I'm never going back the again. Pros: Can't think of any Cons: Extremely rude customer servicel incompetent mechanic more

I had a very nice experience with GMWerks. The staff was kind and courteous, the work was done as promised, the price was fair. They found some defective work done by a previous shop, and encouraged me to go back to that shop to get the work repaired, and offered to help me with the appropriate documentation so that I would not be charged again. I was referred here by a friend who has used GMW for years, and has only had good experiences also. more

I've got first inspection at GMW last year. I still can remember that how the staffs are rude and unmannered. Cons: staff, customer service, dishonest more