I own a 2018 VW Passat and am a dedicated brand enthusiast, so my review is geared more toward those looking to invest in high-quality maintenance for their Volkswagen, rather than those comparing brands or searching for the most affordable options.
If you’re seeking a shop you can trust with your VW, Wofford’s Auto is that place. I first found them through an online search when my Passat, at 98K miles, started showing an EPC light issue. This would cause the engine to misfire and lose power, which I could only temporarily resolve by turning the car off, waiting 30 seconds, and restarting it. After trying to address this issue through Strong VW’s service department, they weren’t able to help because the EPC light would turn off just before my appointments. When the problem became more frequent in July 2024, I again took it to the dealer, but without visible warning lights, they couldn’t diagnose it. Frustrated, I went to Wofford’s on July 30 for a diagnosis, prepared to pay the $250 diagnostic fee.
Wofford’s team not only found the issue but informed me that it was covered by VW’s factory warranty and contacted the dealership on my behalf and gave me the name of a service advisor to help me. Despite my initial frustration at having to pay for a diagnosis, Wofford’s ultimately didn’t charge me. The dealer completed the repairs free of charge under warranty. This level of integrity and going the extra mile is rare, and Wofford’s has absolutely earned my trust.
My second visit to Wofford’s was on October 14, 2024, when I asked them to inspect my front brakes, which, though recently replaced, were performing poorly on steep descents. Wofford’s confirmed I didn’t need new brakes, but after explaining the safety concerns on mountainous terrain, they agreed to replace the brakes and address an oil pan leak from my off-roading excursions.
Since then, I’ve driven over 500 miles with no issues. The high-quality parts Wofford’s used have made a significant difference. I’ll continue updating this review to reflect my ongoing experiences, but as of October 30, 2024, I wholeheartedly recommend Wofford’s Auto to VW owners who value honest service and high standards. While they don’t have the lowest prices, you get what you pay for: excellence and peace of mind.
As a final touch, I was pleasantly surprised to find my engine compartment dusted off and clean—a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about Wofford’s commitment to quality.
One last thing I personally like the fact they open only Mon - Thu because a happy employee is a happy customer so this place take care of their employees and have that in mind.
P.S for those wanted to read the technical notes on the issue here are the notes from the diagnosed performed by these guys:
I will also include the labor and parts warranty details offered by Wofford's
VEHICLE ISSUE #1: DIAGNOSE ENGINE OIL LEAK
TECH REPORT: INSPECTION REGARDING CUSTOMER CONCERN
CONDUCTED A THOROUGH VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE BAY, BOTH FROM ABOVE AND UNDERNEATH.
CLEANED OFF THE ENGINE OIL PAN AND CAREFULLY INSPECTED THE PAN WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND FOUND THERE IS A MICRO
CRACK IN PLASTIC OIL PAN
RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENGINE OIL PAN AND RE INSPECT.
LABOR: ENGINE OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS LABOR
"DIAGNOSE ENGINE OIL LEAK "
VEHICLE ISSUE #2: DIAGNOSE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES DURING BRAKING FROM HIGHER SPEEDS
TECH REPORT: CUSTOMER CONCERN: BRAKE PERFORMANCE DURING TEST DRIVE
DURING THE TEST DRIVE, IT REQUIRED MULTIPLE TRIPS AND HIGH-SPEED BRAKING TO SUFFICIENTLY HEAT THE BRAKE COMPONENTS
AND RECREATE THE REPORTED CONCERN. NO ISSUES WERE OBSERVED WHILE THE BRAKE COMPONENTS REMAINED COOL.
MEASURED FRONT BRAKE PAD WEAR: OUTER PAD AT 5MM, INNER PAD AT 4MM REMAINING.
MEASURED REAR BRAKE PAD WEAR: 6MM REMAINING.
FRONT BRAKE COMPONENTS EXHIBITED SQUEAKING DURING BRAKING, INDICATING POTENTIAL PAD WEAR OR ROTOR SURFACE ISSUES.
MEASURED BRAKE RUNOUT AND FOUND THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED
RECOMMEND REPLACING FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DUE TO SURFACE WARPAGE
