BUMP, as I am very interested in this thread. I just moved to Colorado Springs, and have not found a mechanic yet. I had heard some good things about Silver Star, but have not tried them.
I found this link at Car Talk
http://www.cartalk.com/ct/mechx/shop.jsp?id=8543 which may give you an alternative in the area. Please post your follow up with either of these places as inquiring minds want to know!
Finding a good mechanic, Indy or otherwise, for an older car is not an easy thing to do. I basically think they see me as a cheap guy with some old cars and no money. How attractive a business proposition is that? The guy can spend a while figuring out what’s up with an old car type he does not work on very often, deal with some rusted bolts and 20 years worth of grime, for maybe not much money……..or he can run a code on a newer car, replace a part, and put some real money in the bank.
I always try to take my cars in when they are clean inside and out, to at least show them I care. Like in any situation, people pretty much make up their minds about you in the first 5 seconds. I think they are pretty much making a quick judgment, possibly a wrong one, on me and my car. They know I probably paid less than $2,500 dollars for my 240D. How likely is it that I am going to say “yeah, sure, rebuild the entire front end, brakes and hoses for $1,500 dollars?” “And while you are at it go ahead and replace the oil cooler and hoses and the steering gear box for another $1,500.”
I had a really good guy in Nashville, but over time it was like he was losing interest in my car and me. I think it’s just a fact of life. As many say on this board, owing an old car may mean working on it yourself, or dealing with a certain “lack of service/interest” in your car. Sad but true, I fear.
This is not excuse for the bad service you seem to be getting. I wish they would just tell me up front that they are not very interested, whatever the reason. Then I could go on my way looking for someone who does want my money.
Good luck and let us know what happens!