Interesting...
When I went to Firestone Westgate (aka Massey) I got 4 x Potenza Re002 for the Caldina and 2 x Potenza S0001 for the rear of the SW. That's $1,600 of rubber. You'd hope you'd be looked after, as a returning customer and all,making noises about pointing the club at Firestone for business...
I told the fella running the place (Jared) I wanted a wheel alignment on the Caldina as it was pulling to the left.
He wanders off, comes back holding a phone. Spends a bit of time grabbing at the left front shock and gabbling on the blower.
He tells me he can't do a wheel alignment until the thing's fixed cos it has a problem with the shock. He has a mate can fix it for about $400.
Unknown to Jared I've already had this car sussed out at North Shore Toyota pre purchase. That inspection had turned up a few things but no naff left front shockie...
So I tell Jared it's ok I'll ask my mate, the Service Manager at North Shore Toyota to take a look. "Oh, ok" he says.
The Caldina goes back to North Shore Toyota for a second suss. Hats off to Lucas for the top class service too.
I get the call...
"Nothing wrong with it."
"You sure mate? Don't need the Mrs coming a cropper eh..."
"Nope, nothing wrong eh. Good as gold."
Interesting...
If you find yourself in a similar situation, go get a 2nd opinion from a trustworthy source (like North Shore Toyota).
I went and got 2 more S001 tyres for the front of the SW after that so I can stop as well as I can go - but from a different Firestone shop.
Funny that...
My neighbour as it turns out knows this Jared fella's boss. Goes 'round comes 'round...
Gotta say these S001 Potenzas are grippy though. Opened her up tonight on full boost and my eldest lad's comment was "Ha ha that's NUTS!"
Hell yeah. Explore the potential of the MR2.
Do it.
Mmmmm....