Small rant, Auto Atlanta SUCKS! Options

[BMXerror]

I wanted to order a throttle body gasket for my 1.7 (the rubber ones). I couldn't find them anywhere so I came on this board to ask where I could get them, if anywhere, stating that I couldn't find them at Pelican, Tweeks, Automotion, or Auto Atlanta. Then 'someone' from Auto Atlanta chimed in and said that they had them. So I asked for a link or part number or something since I couldn't find them on the website. To this 'someone' replied that he had "four in his hand that he just set down to type this", and that I should look somewhere local, since they're SOOO plentiful, and I shouldn't have to pay for shipping. I looked.... unsuccessfully. I then proceeded to PM 'someone' and he finally gave me a part number to put into a Google search per his instructions. Guess which site pops up.... YOU GUESSED IT, Auto Atlanta's.... and only Auto Atlanta's. "FINALLY," I thought, "I can order this damn thing." So I did. Two days later I get an e-mail from 'someone else' saying that the part is 'no longer available' and that they have a $20 minimum order rule anyway! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/finger.gif) Take away from this what you like, but this whole experience has left a raw, foul taste in my mouth. *Rant over!*
Mark D.

[Joe Owensby]

I think it would be best if you first try to straighten things out with any vendor before making a public trashing. I am not coming to anyone's defense, but be realistic. I have bought about $8,000 worth of parts to restore my 914 over the last few years. A lot of it went to AA, with excellent results. I have had a lot of minor problems with other suppliers, but have not chosen to make a big deal out of it, instead prefering to give them a chance to make it right.

For instance, I have had problems with one of the premiere engine supliers recommended highly on this site with quality of parts. They very gratiously straightened things out, although it took about two months for me to get correct parts. I have had missed shipments from another of the members vendors, someone who has received rave reviews on this board for his work. I have been charged for parts from another large premier 914 vendor (commonly recommended on this board) that I had ordered on their internet site, but when these were to be shipped from their remote supplier it was found that they were actually out of stock (about two months ago by now, but they do a very good job of notification on this).

I think all this means is that maybe with these old cars there are a lot of people trying their best to provide the needed parts to keep them on the road. Some do better than others, but I have not seen anything to indicate anyone trying to rip anyone off. My hat is off to AA, and to the other vendors and member vendors for providing this service. Thanks to you all. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) JoeO

[VaccaRabite]

I think it would be best if you first try to straighten things out with any vendor before making a public trashing. I am not coming to anyone's defense, but be realistic. I have bought about $8,000 worth of parts to restore my 914 over the last few years. A lot of it went to AA, with excellent results. I have had a lot of minor problems with other suppliers, but have not chosen to make a big deal out of it, instead prefering to give them a chance to make it right.

For instance, I have had problems with one of the premiere engine supliers recommended highly on this site with quality of parts. They very gratiously straightened things out, although it took about two months for me to get correct parts. I have had missed shipments from another of the members vendors, someone who has received rave reviews on this board for his work. I have been charged for parts from another large premier 914 vendor (commonly recommended on this board) that I had ordered on their internet site, but when these were to be shipped from their remote supplier it was found that they were actually out of stock (about two months ago by now, but they do a very good job of notification on this).

I think all this means is that maybe with these old cars there are a lot of people trying their best to provide the needed parts to keep them on the road. Some do better than others, but I have not seen anything to indicate anyone trying to rip anyone off. My hat is off to AA, and to the other vendors and member vendors for providing this service. Thanks to you all. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) JoeO

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
Whenever there is a "lets bitch about a vendor" thread, this post should be quoted.

Maybe it is just a matter of perspective. Parts for the 914 are pretty easy to get, compared to the WWII Bren Gun Carriers or trucks I was working on before. Stuff for these cars has been pretty easy to find, and a phone call will almost always clear up any issues. For the really obscure vehicles, it could be several phone calls or months or years before you can turn up something as basic as a wheel bearing.

Zach