Using independent for service,etc?

[ldye]

Do any of you use non Audi service for any fixes, tires or brakes, etc. I love the car but not having a dealer close is taking a lot of enjoyment away from ownership. Closest servicing dealer is 3 hours away. I wish Audi would just let some of their uncertified R8 dealers do minor work on the R8. Who do some of you use for tire changes other than your R8 dealer?

[desperado]

Who do some of you use for tire changes other than your R8 dealer?

My answer is not much help for you; I do 'em myself. Got tired of the tire store manglers, so bought my own machines.

[mark25]

I have my mechanic do everything apart from the minimum required for a stamp in my service book. Audi charge a stupid hourly rate and my mechanic will do as good a job!

[andyhofer]

I have my mechanic do everything apart from the minimum required for a stamp in my service book. Audi charge a stupid hourly rate and my mechanic will do as good a job!

Couple of things, how did you go about finding your mechanic and who is he, where is he based?

Also, what is the minimum required to get a stamp in the book?

[mark25]

My mechanic is Petro Diesel (http://www.autoinsider.co.uk/local/g...s/ai_13746.php). My dad and uncle used to have their own car dealership and used Petro to do all the work on their cars. For the stamp it depends on the service but typically just the oil change. The pollen filter, brake pads and other things Audi try and get you to get can be done a lot cheaper by your mechanic.