Barrier or University?

**Rodknock** · 10-10-2008 08:08 AM

I live in Tacoma and I need to get my 05 S4 serviced. I wont go to Larson because they have refused service to friends of mine that have exhuast on thier S4's stating that it voids the warranty..

So since I have to drive quite far just to get service which dealer is better?

**GQ//S4** · 10-10-2008 08:28 AM

Barrier. Do NOT go to University. I made that mistake, and my car's been back 2 more times to fix the same issue, and I'm still not convinced its better. My OP is prob somewhere in the archives.

**Rodknock** · 10-10-2008 09:15 AM

well University is a little further away for me anyway..

**03CrysBlueB6** · 10-10-2008 02:46 PM

talk to grahamn i believe it is a barrier.. he always takes care of me and gives me a call as soon as possible to tell me either whats wrong or what i can think about doing to the car or when its going to be done. i know SEXICAN works for barrier.. i dont know if he has any hook ups or what .. but you cant go wrong with barrier.

**lig** · 10-10-2008 06:39 PM

+1 on Graham @ Barrier. He has always taken good care of me and my S4 - lightly modded, even. :)

**Affinitive** · 10-11-2008 05:13 AM

Being a shop owner, I know I shouldn't be speaking negatively of another business, but either way, you have to be careful. Based on my own experiences and findings on cars after the fact, I would have to recommend University if you insist on using a dealer. Either way, you need to make it explicitly clear and demand they use the proper Synthetic Engine Oil. I know it seems odd that you would even have to raise the issue, but it's a well known fact that our local dealers will typically use syn-blend oil and recommend services every 5K instead of the proper 10K. Using a lesser quality oil and changing it more often is NOT an acceptable alternative for the longevity of the car. Syn-Blend Oils by API spec and definition are only 30% Syn/70% Conventional.

Already had somebody price shop me for his 08 A6 4.2 and his wifes 08 A4 Cabrio and I couldn't touch Barrier's price because they were quoting cheap syn-blend oil. I'll say that this is probably not too much of an issue on older non turbo cars, but 05 and newer cars, ABSOLUTELY NOT.

In my opinion, you would be better off finding a specialist like myself who has the factory Diagnostic/Test Equipment and experience with 05 and newer models. I think you'll be surprised how affordable the maintenance and repairs on these cars can be, even the 05 and newer models. You can view a list of all Independent shops throughout the country which are PROPERLY setup with the Factory Diagnostic Equipment at both the Audi and VW websites. Just search for "Smart Key" and you'll find the list of "authorised" independents.

Sorry to throw the sales-pitch out there but just make sure you're armed with the proper info. Wether or not you would even consider someone like myself for you service needs, or you're just curious to know how I compare, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Colin
206-280-3673
866-506-7343

**a308** · 11-07-2008 01:46 AM

bottom line Barrier no question ask !!

**Rodknock** · 11-19-2008 08:30 AM

well I tried Barrier and they told me that they would not repair my car because it was to low. I took it to University the next day and they had no problems whatsoever with the car..

So Barrier will never get my buisness and anyone who ever asks me where they should go for service or to buy an Audi I will tell them University with out a doubt.