Let me begin by saying that I cannot comment on what the people are like at this business... Due to the fact that they refused to answer my numerous contact emails.
It all began when I wrote, what I believed to be an amusing story pertaining to my car, and how it hadn't been on the road since 2013. What makes this story unique, is the fact that my car is a 2011, with under 20,000km.
Usually, cars which haven't been driven for nearly three years, are derelict beaters... but this car is basically new. It's the same sordid tale we've all heard a million times... A true case of vehicular modification, crossing paths with the overzealous, ignorant, and incompetent officer of law enforcement.
You've never heard that tale? Oh... Well, maybe I'm just unlucky.
Anyway, a combination of life being one big hurdle after another, combined with the fact that my level of procrastination is equalled only by extremely overweight house cats, has kept my beloved car sitting in the parking garage of my condo building for nearly three years.
I think it's time to drive it again.
After having a bad experience at the local dealership, I dreaded to return there, but I have a very distinctive automobile, and not many repair shops will work on them.
A short search lead me to V.I. Auto Exchange. Their website confirmed that they worked on the model of car which I own. It also stated they performed vehicle modifications, which was great, as I purchased some performance parts for my car during it's hiatus. While I am capable of installing them myself, the fact I live in a building makes it difficult. My neighbours get a bit tense over people performing grand feats of the mechanical kind in the parking garage...
Thinking I had found the answer, I emailed V.I. Auto Exchange on a Saturday, explaining in great detail what I had been through with my car, and to request an appointment, to have the things done to my car, which would permit me to once again drive on public highways.
I fully expected to have received a response by Monday afternoon.... Nothing. I checked again at 6pm, only to get the same result. After waiting two more days, I sent another. An inquiry, asking if they had received my message, and a resend of my original message.
Again, I fully expected a response the following day... and again, nothing.
I waited two more days before I sent my third, and final attempt at wooing this obviously 'exclusive' repair shop into taking my business. (why did I have to do this?)
Actually, this particular email was filled with perturbed questions, and biting accusations. (wooing is an art filled with many styles, and approaches) I guess I'd hoped that this place was run by masochists, and a bit of aggression and humiliation might catch their interest enough, to finally grant me the honour of most likely, overpaying for the work they had done by a great amount.
Four days have passed since I sent my last email, and still not one peep from V.I. Auto Exchange.
I'm a bit dumbfounded by this...
Am I the problem?
Is it my car?
The work I requested?
The latter two are highly unlikely, as their website stated that they both worked on my car's model, and specialized in vehicle modification.
...as far as the former is concerned, I can be an acquired taste, but this is something people don't realize until they've at least met me...
Some are probably wondering why I didn't phone, and make my request. While I agree that would normally be the next step in a case such as this, it's not really an option for me. I have a speech impediment, which is quite severe, and which becomes completely unmanageable anytime I use a telephone. It is so bad, that a few years ago, I decided it was in my best interest to refrain from making voice calls. The amount of stress it caused me just wasn't worth it.
So, unable to earn a response from V.I. Auto Exchange, I went back to the dealership, which was the last thing I wanted to do.
In closing, I would like to send a big thank you out to the boys at V.I. Auto Exchange...
Thanks for, well... Nothing.