Hey guys,

We talked about different service/repair shops here in the NW. I thought it would be nice to write up my experience with Park Place LTD in Bellevue. It's still in progress, so this will too be a progress report.

1. First, a little info on Park Place...

Website: Park Place LTD - West Coast's premier luxury sports collector and exotic car dealership
In business since 1987, starting out as a whole seller. I went there specifically because of "Jag John". I wrote about him before, he seems to be one of the few Master Techs still around in our area:

- 23 Year Jaguar Master Tech
- Member Jaguar Drivers & Restorers Club of Northwest America (JDRC/NWA)
- Member Jaguar Club of North America (JCNA)
- Current Model Range Repair and Maintenance
- Vintage Jaguar Service and Restoration
- Expert in I6, V8, and V12 Jaguars

2. What's the problem with the car?
Last week I noticed a small puddle of oil under the car. I don't drive it too often in this season, so not sure how long this has been going on. Because of the cover, I could not tell where the oil originates from. Given my very poor mechanical skills, I didn't even attempt to go any further. All I knew for sure is that it was oil, brown color, clear.

3. First interaction with Park Place
I called their service department early on Saturday, that's not their normal hours. No service on the weekends (which would be nice for me and my work hours), however they do offer after-hours drop/delivery. I spoke to one of their service consultants, who happened to be there by chance outside of the hours. He was very nice & uncomplicated (just needed name and number, not my whole life story). He got me an appointment for 8am today, that's the following Monday. Given the coming holiday, they only work half a day. So far so good!

4. At Park Place Service Center
So, (almost) punctual I arrived there shortly after 8am. The whole place looks very upscale, and I thought to myself "Oh, oh, this is going to be expensive."
When you walk in you're greeted by Astons, Jags, Shelbys, Lotus and so on. The whole lot is full of very nice and very expensive cars. After a short greeting with the Service Consultant, I was introduced to "Jag John", who took the car in to check it out.

5. Waiting for the result
While I was waiting to see what John would find, I noticed they offer "hand-wash" for sensible cars like ours. I asked about the price, and was told it's complimentary with any service. There was my first smile. Upon researching a little more I learned they offer a whole range of wash/wax, detail and wheel repair. You can check out the details here: Park Place Auto Salon - Auto detailing | Car wash | Auto restoration in Bellevue - Auto detailing and mobile car wash in Bellevue WA

6. The result
It didn't take John very long to call us back to take a look at what he found. The oil cooler hose (possibly just the seal) is the culprit of the leak. He didn't have the part there, so it will need to be ordered. He topped of my oil and closed it back up. The car then went into the complimentary wash.

7. Cost
For today it was "0". Can't argue with that.

8. The complimentary wash
They did a decent job outside, even on the wheels. They gave it a quick vacuum on the inside. I liked how they did the roof too, it looked very nice.They left a few streaks on the inside of the window, but nothing big. All in all very decent, and free! I'm tempted to try out their more advanced detail packages to see how do on that.

9. What's next?
I am waiting for them to call me with a quote for the part and labor. Because of the holidays, this might take until Wednesday. I also asked for a quote on a new windshield (mine is starting to go), including non-OEM options. Very curious to hear what they come up with there as well.

10. Summary thus far
Very pleasant so far. Of course, we haven't talked money yet.
- Quick Service
- Nice Service
- Free Wash

I keep you guys in the loop. Would be nice to find a good shop for our NW enthusiasts. I heard the West Seattle guy isn't working anymore.

Cheers,

Marko

 

Good report, thanks!

 

Thanks for the report cause this is not too far from my house. I am interested in what the labor rate is and if they service transmissions. Please keep us posted.

 

I most certainly will! Waiting on the part now, once they get it and did the repair I will update the topic with all details!

Marko

 

Marko,

Ever get your Jag fixed. I hope it didn't take this long to get the part.

 

Sure did get it fixed, just slammed with work. I will try to post a follow-up tomorrow.

 

I'm interested in finding a GOOD Jag mechanic that won't fleece me. Had a bad experience and am looking for someone. Hope this place is decently priced. Waiting for the update, Marko.

 

Hey guys, sorry I was absent. The job kept me traveling everywhere, with little time to do anything else.

Quick update on the place:

- Hourly rate was $125 (pretty reasonable for a Jag specialist).
- They included a very decent wash with every service
- In my case we ordered a part, that turned out wasn't needed. They didn't charge me for it. Instead just did the much smaller repair.
- I will go there again, everyone was nice and helpful.

 

Thanks for the update. I think I will be using them also.