I've been meaning to post an update to this list for a LONG time. It now incorporates the more recent comments above, as well as my own recent experiences:
In short, I got very lucky because the next shop on my list was fantastic, so I didn't have to work through the rest of the list. I'm referring to Superformance Foreign Auto Repair, I worked with Devon.
First thing I noticed was that they're very personable / down to earth. People skills seem non mission critical, until you work with someone difficult and realize it's getting in the way of the forward progress.
Then I was impressed with Devon's diligence. For example, I would send fairly long emails with multiple links, and I could tell he'd read it all. Not only that, but he'd follow links IN THE links! Eg, I sent him some of my forum posts here because they did a good job of characterizing the problem and included wise guidance from our members. In discussing repair strategies, he'd refer to specific usernames that sometimes commented on pages 2+ of the thread! I have to admit I was already sold by this point.
Getting to the meat and potatoes of it finally: They knew their stuff, did great work on a handful of repair jobs, and even identified a few things we could improve (work that my father and I had done but they were right). I should also mention that they're honest folks- eg one of my deck lid arms inexplicably cracked out of nowhere, even though it wasn't their fault they still sent it out to be rewielded on the house. They also comped a few other things where it was a minor stop in. Lots of little things like that.
I have many other praises to sing, but you get the point. Needless to say that I'm personally not taking the car anywhere else, but it looks like there are also other wonderful options below and encourage everyone to do their research.
Main list:
- Superformance Foreign Auto Repair in West LA, near the 405 & 10. Ask for Devon. <- My pick
- German Car Service in West LA, on Pontius Ave at Olympic Blvd. Waiting to confirm whether reopened or not (I never did, @BADSPD - Stephen might've by now?).
- Stuttgart Automotive in West LA (@BADSPD - Stephen endorses above)
- United Auto Center in North Hollywood, on Lankershim. Ask for Walter. (@Carlo endorses above)
- Auto Meister in Manhattan Beach, CA. Ask for Robert or Randy. (@jprpdr endorses above)
- E&C (or this link?) on Reseda Blvd, San Fernando Valley, CA.
- Chico Performance Racing in Arcadia, CA. Ask for Anabel. (strongly endorsed by some, others have had other experiences)
- Vintage Motorcars in Hawaiian Gardens, CA. Ask for Greg.
- Unique Imports in Mission Viejo, CA. Owner is Chip.
- Mesa West German Auto Center in Costa Mesa, CA. Ask for Norm.
- Gary Berg in ~Orange, CA. 8zero8 six40 679nine garyvwguy@hotmail.com
- Larry Jowdy in Ontario, CA (unfortunately, Larry's no longer with us)
- Westside Independent VW Repair (Layne). He will no longer work with older cars (I confirmed over the phone).