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Schram and Swedish Metrotown are the two best independent Volvo specialty shops in the entire area and are well known to Volvo enthusiasts for quality service at below average prices. I've dealt with these shops for many years (more than I care to admit) and have no hesitation in saying you can trust your car to them whether you're a regular customer or not. There is no tendency to replace more parts or perform more service than needed and both source quality OEM replacement parts (often stocked in town) as well as Volvo parts (normally stocked in Toronto). Both are also affiliated with separate body shops that specialize in Volvo's.
I don't know what in particular you disliked. I'm wondering if there's a bit of culture shock in dealing with independent garages like these. You've got to remember that at the front desk you're dealing with experienced technicians not trained customer service writers with a clip board and a performance bonus. I'm sure you'll warm to their personalities once you get to know them.
Now if it's red carpet treatment you want then go to one of the many dealer service departments in the area. You'll get a better cup of coffee, a drive to work or a nice shiny loaner and your car will likely have been washed when you pick it up. In my personal experience, service will vary from excellent to mediocre depending on who works on your car that day. There's also a tendency to recommend replacement of parts that are barely half gone. You'll only pay about 50% more for all this.
If you want to try other decent Volvo specialty independents that I can attest to:
o Allvo Automotive, recently relocated to a larger shop at 6268 Beresford in South Burnaby, 604-451-5103, owner is Nick Seldon -they're also the only other good source of used parts after Schram Motors.
o Mastertech Automotive, in the alley at 159 East 1st in North Vancouver, owner is Wayne Miller, 604-987-6553.
o J.D. Auto Repairs, at #2 - 843 West 1st in North Vancouver, 604-987-4950, owner is John Daly.
I'm sure there are more in other areas.
--
Dave -not to be confused with a real expert
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