Veloce Motors

My name is Dan Sommers. I have been an Alfa Romeo factory trained mechanic since 1973. I used to be the Parts & Service manager for Ron Tonkin Gran Tusimo 20 years ago. In all my years as a mechanic I have seen all kinds of customers, most of which have very good communication skills. \r This 164 customer was a one time visit who seemed happy that I could get him in.\r So here is what realy happened.\r The car came in 1/10/03\r We replaced the Front brake Rotors (pads were new)\r rear pads & rotors\r dashed bulb. ( plugs are idiot proof)\r seat switch\r 4 exhaust hangers\r E brake handle loose. tightened two loose nuts\r advised of need for complete 4 wheel alignment. \r 'O' on distributor (oil leak)\r cruise control brake switch nut missing. replaced nut and adjusted.\r \r The work was completed and the car was picked up and paid for on 1/15/03\r \r On 2/14/03 the E brake would not hold. I inspected the car and found a frayed E brake cable right rear. We advised him that reverse lights did not work. No E cables availible in the Portland area. On his request we ordered a ""special order"" part without a deposit (stupid me). The cable is a dealer only part. Ordered it from Ron Tonkin 2/14/03. Advised him to not use the E brake as that may cause it to lockup.\r After several conversations with both Ron Tonkins Parts dept and the customer we were finally able to get the part on 3/20/03. Alfa had made a mess of the back order and Tonkin actually overnigted the part to us for frieght free.\r My wife (we are a mom and pop shop) called the customer on 3/20/03. He said he would be out of town until 3/29/03.\r My wife called him again on 3/28/03 and left a message to remind him of the cable.\r My wife called him again on 4/3/03 and talked to him. He said he would call her back. He never did call back.\r \r Bottom line. I still have the cable. He is still a Fla...\r \r My phone # is 971-563-8576 call me if you care about your Alfa. Pros: I'm the best Cons: I don't think so. more

My brakes were locking up and I got into Veloce quicker than Ron Tonkin. Asked for an oil change and to replace 2 bulbs and a seat switch. They got the cruise control working, but my car leaked oil after changing a seal ($50). They wired the lighter and door locks incorrectly after changing the dash bulbs, disabling them, but the horror was, upon pulling out of their tiny garage, my brakes locked up! Half my thousand-dollar bill was spent on brake repairs. Chagrinned, the owner suggested I just stop using the e-brake. Probably out of embarassment, I was not notified that the cable I'd needed was ready to be installed. The e-brake lever still does not set right. So much for the test drive. Pros: respects Alfa Romeos, be ready to chat a lo Cons: be ready to chat a lo, air quality in garage, inattentive more