Pawlik Automotive Repair

Reviews 4

JE

Jen Braun

About 3 months ago I bought a 2003 Audi A4 1.8T convertible. This is a luxury car with a turbo engine and, when I fueled up, I used cheap fuel even though it is recommended to use Premium. Just after I fueled up with cheap gas the second time, my check engine light came on and a friend of mine with a code reader told me it was fuel related. I immediately blamed my thriftiness and quickly went out and bought some octane booster and fuel injection cleaner. The car started running really rough, idling super low and, eventually, after a couple of months of driving like this and giving the car nothing but Premium gas, the engine started to cut out altogether when I came to a stop. Not every time, but often enough to worry me. Needless to say my anxiety was high every time I drove the car, so I decided to take it to Pawlik. Before even looking at the car, Bernie said he thought the problem was not related to the cheap gas and that the timing was coincidental. After doing what he does, he discovered that a valve was blown and creating a bad vacuum leak, which was compromising the air/fuel ratio. Bernie took the time, as he always does, to explain the process he went through to diagnose the issue, what his findings were, how he proposed to the fix the issue and what the cost was going to be. He also let me know of a couple other minor things to keep an eye on but assured me that the overall health of my car was good. After he finished the repair, he again took the time to show me the valve he’d replaced and walk me through what he experienced when he road tested it with the new valve. And then he washed my car for me! Bernie and his team are extremely knowledgeable, professional but easy to talk to and, above all else, extremely thorough. You never feel like you’re being taken advantage of and you feel that only what absolutely needs to be done is being done – there is no overselling or scheming to get you back in the shop. I highly recommend Pawlik Automotive and I certainly understand why it keeps winning the Georgia Straight’s “Best of Vancouver” award. Oh, and by the way, my car now runs like it’s brand spanking new. Thanks Bernie!

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A Private User

I thought Id give Pawlik a try after reading all the accolades, and was thoroughly disappointed. My cars brakes were juddering, and there also was a seemingly tough to diagnose engine vibration. They changed the rear brake shoes and drums, but it felt like the brakes were constantly on soon as I drove off. So I took it back, and the assistant mechanic took it for a spin around the block and told me he thought it was fine. Well, I did my own little road test: after several kms without touching the brakes and coasting to a stop, the brake drums were nonetheless scorching hot. So I took it back, and Bernie did adjust the brakes, but my expectation is that for their not exactly cheap service, these sorts of things should be done right the first time. The engine vibration they never got to the bottom off. They suggested replacing engine mounts, so I had them swap out two, with no effect (the mounts were not visibly broken, but I thought Id give it a try anyway). Then they suggested changing a third hydraulic one, and they quoted me $250 for the part plus labour. This seemed steep to me, so I phoned around and found out that I could get the very same part in the US from a NAPA store for $50. I asked Bernie if I could pay him to install the part for me if I bought it. He flat out refused, citing his principles, warranty concerns (on the identical part, from the same supplier, no less) and the fact that he makes money on the parts. After already spending close to $1200 at Pawlik, half of which was on diagnoses and fixes (i.e. the other mounts) that did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to address my problem, I was thoroughly disappointed by this sort of refusal to do what in my mind would have been a nice gesture of goodwill. Obviously, Pawlik Automotive has zero obligation to extend special treatment to me, and every right to make as much money as they can. However, their profits wont be coming out of my wallet anymore - needless to say, I have no intention of ever returning there.

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A Private User

Dear Bernie, Over the past few years I have been a client of yours and I would like to sing your praises. First of all I completely appreciate the courtesy car. On a couple of occasions you have had an appointment with me the following day and just brought my car back to my office - it was like Valet service from my mechanic!! With a busy office schdule and my new responsibilites as a parent in the last year, time is of such high value to me I cannot say how much I appreciate the convienience of this. Most recently, I got my friendly reminder call from Trish that my car was due for an oil change. After discussing it with you we also came to the conclusion that it was likely time to do a comprehensive inspection. What I appreciated was that you alway break things down into the "NEEDS to be fixed now" and the "can wait till next time categories" and that if Trish said it needed to be done - we should do it. Last year when I was about to give back my car on the lease you took the time to find the quality parts I needed at the lowest price point. Obviously this was of high value. I once arrived with my children and your office manager and your wife helped me transfer my car seats from your loaned vehicle to mine and I was off in 10 mintues. Soooo helpful! I live in Yaletown but take my car to your shop beause of the high level of service I recieve. Now that we can take the Canada Line right to your street it is even easier and my kids think it is a fun adventure to come and pick up the car or to drop it off. Thank you all for your excellent service!! Shelley A

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A Private User

Dear Bernie, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking care of my family. You and your team have provided us with peace of mind, convenience, and have proved time and again that you are experts in the automotive industry. Every time we hear a ping or a rattle, or feel that our cars are not functioning at their best, you are able to accommodate us quickly, efficiently and have us on our merry way. We appreciate that you care about the environment, care about your staff and most of all care about your customers. We particularly like the fact that you do not do any of the work until you have given us a detailed cost breakdown and receive approval. We also enjoyed having you on our team when our son Jordan purchased his first used car. You inspected each vehicle from bumper to bumper and gave us your honest professional opinion. At one instance you convinced him that a particular ‘dream car’ was a lemon and not to buy it. This reduced our stress of purchasing a used vehicle. Our thanks and appreciation goes out to you and your team for taking care of our 4 vehicles. We understand why Pawlik Automotive is Vancouver’s #1 car repair and best automotive team! We highly recommend the services of Pawlik Automotive to all drivers out there and will continue to refer our family and friends. Yours truly, Ozzie Kipnes

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