Pasadena Audi and Volkswagen Repair

It's been about 9 months since I brought my 2006 Passat in for new front brakepads and rotors. I had the parts in storage for a while since I got a fantastic deal on them with the rears. The rears wore out at 45k, but the fronts were still good so I put them into storage. At 80k, I figured it would be time to put in new fronts since they didn't feel as solid at they did before. I bring the car in, and they inspected them using a mirror and said that the brakes are still fine. No need to change, but if I had the time, they'd be willing to put the car on the lift as a courtesy. They put it on the lift, remove the wheels, and bring me over. They said the brakes were still at 50% wear and didn't need a change. I told them that since it was already on the lift, go ahead and change them out of convenience for me. They get it done. Their labor rates are about average for an honest shop. Less than a dealership, but more than a run of the mill shop. That's okay, because they were honest. I'd rather pay more to an honest shop upfront than end up paying even more to a dishonest shop on the back end.

Took my A3 to Fares @ Independent Audi this morning at 9am. Got my usual oil change and replaced some brake light bulbs. I was in and out in less than 45 minutes. Fares and Silvia always hook it up. ALWAYS. Besides the FREE refreshments... their service is by far the BEST in SOCAL. They even hired John K who used to work at RUSNAK for years. A 100% upgrade. If you want the best service in Southern California. I highly recommend Independent Audi & VW. These guys dont beat around the bush. They never add those extra costs on your invoice. They didnt even charge me for the light bulbs Ill never go backto the dealerships for my service. These guys at Independent are the leaders in excellent service. Thanks again!

I originally intended to give this place 4/5 stars because the repairs were not cheap. But when you decide to purchase a European car you should be aware that repairs will never be cheap. And if you compare Fares' prices to the dealer, then you realize they're not unreasonable. After reading so many positive reviews on this place, I decided to take my 2007 A4. Everyone is right about Fares. Soft spoken nice guy and I couldn't help but to trust him. Very rare to get that feeling. I felt like he was honest and knowledgeable about these cars which is proven with the plaques on his wall. He immediately diagnosed the problem and then called me with a quote. The work was done quickly. The shop is very clean and it's very professional! I'm very relieved to have found a shop for my A4 after being disappointed with the Audi dealerships.

What can i say other besides Fares and Sylvia run a great operation at their shop. I found them on yahoo, due to the fact the dealer(penske audi) i went to didn't seem like they knew too much about what was going on, I went in for a 55,000 mile service for my 2.0T A4 and they ended up doing a service for a 1.8T.....i caught it at the register and i had to question the service writer, who then had to take my car back and replace my spark plugs, took more time than needed. I'm really picky on who works on my car, so i tried Fares, and was extremely impressed with his knowledge. I recently had my clutch replaced my them, Fares informed me that my flywheel had mulitple hotspots, replacing the clutch and flywheel would have hit my wallet for 2500.00! I asked him to see what he could do, he removed the hotspots (very difficult considering it was a dual mass flywheel) and saved me about a 1000.00! Taking it home i found no clutch chatter at all(which is what one would expect if the flywheel wasn't up to new standards) and had a blast driving it home. With Fares and company around, it makes me feel comfortable to finally buy an RS4. Having a trustworthy repair shop is just as important to me as having a trustworthy Dr. Thanks again Fares and Sylvia!

Believe the hype. After discovering this place on Yelp I scheduled an appointment over the phone and brought in my VW Tiguan. Pulling into the driveway I was greeted by Fares immediately and even greeted me by my name before introducing myself. I was originally quoted about an hour to an hour and a half for the service but they actually got it done in 45 minutes to replace my brake pads! This was great because I always waited 2-3 hours at the Pasadena dealership just for a simple oil change! The waiting room was also nicely decorated and you could tell they put some real thought into it making it a comfortable waiting area for the customers. They had complimentary beverages such as bottled water, pineapple juice, variety of sodas, coffee and more. I was really iffy about putting this up on Yelp because it would draw in the masses to Fares but honestly he deserves the business and just made a customer for life! We need more honest mechanics like Fares. THUMBS UP WAY UP

well... my story begins with 4 visits to different mechanics after purchasing a 2003 vw jetta 1.8 turbo....after driving a 1986 toyota land cruiser for 15 years and having a positive relathionship with a trusted mechanic i was looking at what now seemed a bently with power windows a great stereo system and gosh even turbo and a a constant rattle .... i took the new jetta to 4 different mechanics...before stopping at independent vw in pasadena- and yes that included the vw dealeship in santa monica...which with respect...dont go there. I heard 4 different daignostics any where from "you need a new clutch" to "you need a new transmittion" to "wait until the problem gets worse" to "leave it here for 3 days, we still don't know whats wrong" all estimates came in at well over four figures. Eventually the unavoidable happened... a plop, metal, a sound and a friendly tow truck driver and a recomendation from AAA to pay a visit to Independent VW. i had given up, now without a car a i thought that after not trusting any of the privious daignostics - which ended up all being ...well..let say uninformed to be politically correct- at the mercy of ....finallly.....HONESTY.... Norm over at INDEP VW took my call, assured me the car would be looked at and a proper call would be given back to me...sure i thought...then he called on time as he promised...shock... -never before- delivery ofthe vehicle was on time, the cost of repair ended up being less then estimated...every step was followed with diligence, friendliness, him and his team had a diagnossis..it was just a mount... i have never expiriences such great service, honesty, follow through, from every single member of the team of the VW indepenent team, in any other mechanic expirience period. Owning a newer car - after driving a land cruiser for 15 years- can be daunting. Norm, Stephanie the kind mechanic that worked on my car to the fine fellows who showed up to pick me from work and take me to my car were tremendous!!!!!!! i found a trusted place, where i can take my car to and trust that from the person that greets me to the fine talent that work on the car have trully the best intrrest in mnd. if you own a VW go here. Do no go to santa monica, i dont care were you live, come here. Personally, i have made new friends and finally, finally, finally found trusted folk to work on my car which sees endless road trips, mountains, lakes, bays and deserts. Thank you to the Indep. VW team, thank you. Please, keep offering us honesty and goodness, it brings the people back!!!!! hats off to you.

Definitely the best auto service I have ever received. Fares is a master of his craft, but better yet, he cares about his customer. Every interaction and service I have done there solidifies my resolve to never go anywhere else. He is also far cheaper than any dealer you will ever go to, believe me, I've compared the costs...

10 Star Service! Simply the BEST! My A6 now drives better than ever thanks to Fares.... Can't thank you enough Fares and his team. Thanks a million. Lifetime customer.

I cannot say enough about Fares and his lovely wife Sylva. They are the epitome of professional and kind. I have a 2002 Audi Allroad that constantly needs some kind of tweaking and Fares is always completely on top of what is needed and never tries to get me to do more services than I need. He even cleaned my light covers when they were faded. He is a lovely, smart guy who absolutely knows what he's doing. Rusnak was my service department before I met Fares, and one of the top service guys at there TOLD ME to go to Fares.... What does THAT tell you?

Today marked my 2nd visit to Independent Audi & VW Service. Before I begin, let me say that I will definitely, without a doubt, be returning to Independent Audi & VW Service for any and every need my Audi may require. My A4 was misfiring, causing engine shuddering, so I had it towed to the shop. I am NOT kidding when I say that the problem-solving process begain immediately upon my arrival, and the preliminary inspection took literally 5 minutes to complete. I waited patiently as Fares (the owner) and his technician hooked up a diagnostic test unit to my car and found the problem instantly. The removed one ignition coil, put in a new one, and before I could even ask any questions, the problem was solved! I also asked him to replace my air filter. It was a busy day but he told me he could do it, even though I said I could come back. The replacement took what I estimated to be about 10 minutes...yes...extremely fast! I can not even begin to explain how entirely pleased I am with my experiences here...Fares proves to be not only extremely knowledgeable about my car (and many others), but also exudes a brilliant and honest personality and a dilligent work ethic. He even took time from a busy day to answer a few other questions I had about my car. These qualities and expertise are what will keep me coming back to Independent Audi & VW Service.