Wilson "of {WLQ} Photography" L.'s Profile

Well I'm stuck here writing this review for a place that I thought would give me excellent service... I have been sitting here for 50 minutes waiting for the shuttle bus .. More on this later

Rewind to a day ago. My 04 TL was smoking from a long drive to work because of a power steering hose that leaked fluid onto the engine causing a burning smell.

Did some research on the internet and found that it was part of a recall. Called this dealer up to schedule a recall appointment. They had an appointment open for me the next day and at the time I wanted. They took down my information and I got an email confirming that. Awesome I thought.

Fast forward to the day of the appointment. I dropped off the car in the morning and was greeted by Johnny. He was personable and addressed me as "Mr." I told him my two reasons that I was here: a power steering hose and a windshield wiper motor that needed to be replaced because of a recall that I never got around to. Also I was there for something wrong with my HFL system. Johnny promised to call me around noon to let me know how it was going.

Anyways, I thought the initial service was good and I was going to get a rental car, but my car would be done by the end of the day so it was kinda pointless.

Frankie, the shuttle driver was very interesting to talk to and we talked about cars a lot since he was a car guy himself (makes sense if he was working for a dealership). He dropped me off to work earlier than I thought.

Fast forward to noon. No calls from the dealership (I start to get worried).

Around 2pm, I finally get a call from Johnny saying that they finished my tasks and they could not find a problem with my HFL bluetooth system. He "upgraded" my system with a newer version of the maps, but that didnt not really help and to this day i still have the same problem.

Johnny promised that I would be the last person to be picked up (as I requested) at 4:00pm. He said that he would call me back in 15 ~ 20 minutes to confirm.

I get off early at 4pm and wait at where they dropped me off earlier today...

4:15 - I called Johnny's direct line, but no one picked up. Two calls and I message.

4:30 - Still waiting I called their direct line in service and said that I have been waiting for 30 minutes for a shuttle. The lady on the phone promised that someone will be there soon, but no definite time.

Now, I'm starting to get irritated and frustrated. Really?!? Why did it take so long to pick me up when you promised at 4:00pm.

I find myself kicking myself on not getting a shuttle car, but if a dealership promises to be there at 4, ill keep them to my word.

The shuttle driver finally arrived at 5:10 to pick me up

So 70 minutes to wait for someone to pick me up?!!

When I got back to the dealership, my service adviser was no longer there. The front cashier went over the invoice and service with me (but I didn't feel that she knew what she was talking about).

They did repair the power steering hose, and washed my car as I requested, but I've already had a bad taste in my mouth from the experience.

Final Thoughts:
If you are going to be there, dont promise everyone that you'll pick them up at 4pm. How can one or two shuttle drivers pick up everyone at 4pm. The service advisers need to either stop promising 4pm or give earlier times.

Make sure you either get a rental car or have someone drop you off. It's ridiculous to have everyone wait to be picked up.

Will I go back? Probably not.

Having bought many used cars in my lifetime, I know when I got the short end of the stick... Honestly, I do NOT know car maintenance as much as computers, but nonetheless, Daryl and Mike are a Godsend when it comes to car maintenance and repair. I have brought my 2000 Civic HX in at least a half a dozen times for a half of dozen reasons. 4 oil changes, a front brake pad replacement and wait for it... wait for it... a timing belt replacement!

The last time there was the timing belt and Daryl quoted me FAR less than the stealer-ships in Daly City and SF Honda would give me. The slight drawback was to leave the car for 2 days. Not a problem thanks to my lovely work schedule. Dropping the car off in the morning, Daryl greeted me what'sup in his usual tone :) And asked what I needed ..

Dropped my car near the ramp as there was another truck already in the driveway.. He printed out a estimate and said it would be done by EOB tomorrow.

Fast forward to Tuesday and well things had changed.. mainly tickets to the IMAX showing of the DARK KNIGHT showing at 3:30. And work on Wednesday which absolutely requires a car to travel. I called in the morning and asked Daryl whats going on. He said that he just had to put things back together and test drive it after lunch. Should be ready around 1:30..

Super fast forward to 1:20. I'm already in Downtown SF and called him again. You can pick it up he says.

After the utterly boring and long 49 bus ride up Van Ness, we got to our destination. The car was ready and the "damage" on the bill was not all that bad at all. He replaced everything I wanted and went above and beyond what I'd expect for a mechanic. My car is happy as a clam..

Totally trustworthy and honest people!

I'm sure happy for Yelp .. without this site, I would have never found this shop!

Our first time here and being introduced by a friend, wasn't too bad. I got the White chicken pho ga and my SO got the yellow chicken pho ga... Only problem was that the poor chicken was induced with a huge portion of yellow #5!. The flavor of the chicken was good, but everything else was just mediocore.

The list of everything else
1) Noddles were mushy and waaaay overcooked
2) Broth tasted like it was from the bottom of the bowl. Salt and MSG galore
3) Sad to say that the line to pay for it took about 10 mins (we went in on a Friday night shortly before 7 so everyone was getting take-out)

My friend said that the BBQ was off the hook, but i have yet to try that... maybe next time after I'm half drunk from D&B, I'll skip down here to give this place another shot.. oh yeah, like many Asian places.. "Cash only"

If your looking for a yummy place to get vietnamese sandwiches, and not around the chinatown region, go to this place. It's rather hard to find, but look for a yellow awning before the Walgreens.

We always order the #1 (combo meat with "jaa") and the bbq chicken. Im not much of a hard bread eatter guy, so I try to avoid those cases.. their bread here is soft, and they told me it is delivered fresh daily. Once, they ran out of bread on one of my cravings, but thats only because I came in late in the day.

The price is between $2.25 and $2.75 for all their sandwiches. They also sell entrees and rice plates, but definately try their sandwiches! You can ask for no jalephenos if that's not your thing.

BTW, banh mi means bread in vietnamese french inspired baguette :)