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Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:26 am

I recently had an experience with Fisher buggies in Tampa Florida.

BACKGROUND:
In March 2005, I purchased a complete RANCHO 12v stock swing axle trans with axles, clutch kit, and other parts- approx $1200.

I started having problems with the trans after 1000+ miles with it finally going bad at about 5000 mile in November 2005. Luckily, I was in Florida for the Bug Jam, but the trans died the night before the bug jam.

I went to Fisher Buggies (with whom I purchased the trans from) and advised them of the trouble I was having. They told me that there was only a six-month warranty and that the trans was no longer covered. They then had shown me other trans that range from $600-$1000 and said that they were ready for install.

Considering that my trans went bad within 5000 miles, I did not buy from them, but called Rancho for a trans. I told them what happened with my trans and they told me to go to Fisher Buggies and have them warranty my trans- RANCHO HAS A ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON THEIR TRANS. When I told Fisher about the one-year warranty, they did not want to honor the warranty. I had Rancho call Fisher and worked it out that Fisher would SWAP the trans for another one.

When I went to do it, I waited 1 1/2 hours before they told me that they would repair it. I advised them that Rancho authorized a swap. KEN, the owner, then came out to greet me. I initially found him to be arrogant, nasty, loud and belligerent. He accused me of everything from drag racing a 1600, modifying the trans gears and then told me that I was resting my foot on the clutch causing the trans to go bad. He did not want to warranty the trans and told me that he did not care about Rancho and that does not have to fix it or swap it out. I left the store, because arguing with someone that ignorant is pointless.

I contacted Rancho. They were very helpful and again told Fisher to swap out the trans. I went the next day and picked up my new-rebuild Rancho trans.

I do not know if others have had problems with Fisher or if they like them. It is a nice looking store, but their customer service end after a sale was unacceptable at best. The owner Ken was ignorant, arrogant and accusatory.

After everything was done, I now have a good trans and it worked out in the end. For a store like Fisher to NOT advise me of the Trans still being under warranty and trying to sell me another trans was shady. Not wanting to honor the warranty that was still in affect was bad business practice. Meeting a less that acceptable owner was the final straw.

I will not frequent the store again and advise others to hold on to their wallets if they do venture into it.

Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:45 am

here is another example: my dad went in, got some parts and came home. went to install them, found out that they gave him the wrong parts (big surprise!) - when he called to talk about switching them out, they said there would be a 15% restocking fee! on their error! that was the last nickel he ever spent there. with 9 cars between the two of us, thats alot of nickels they are missing out on.

Fri Nov 25, 2005 3:51 pm

Fisher Buggies is the worst I've ever dealt with as far as customer service goes.....and I work in customer service for a parts supplier. If I treated my customers like they did me, I'd be out of work.

Here's the quickie version of my dealing with Fisher:
*On a Tuesday I ordered air cleaners for my IDFs, and specified UPS 2nd Day Air. I needed them before Friday, as it was Labor Day weekend, and I just got my Manx registered. I did not tell them what I do for a living.

*Thursday comes....no package. I call Fisher, and it turns out they completely forgot to bill & ship my parts. Great, just great. There is still one more business day before the weekend.

*I then inform them of my line of work, and pose an idea that will fix their mistake: I ask them to ship the parts UPS Overnight, and still charge me the 2nd Day rate; they pick up the difference, as it was their mistake. I did not ask for free shipping, or for them to bend over backwards....I asked them to do what I would have done in their position - man up and fix what they screwed up. The young guy on the phone gets his manager(Ken F., I assume), and he tells me they'll send the part 2nd Day as originally planned....or I can 'take my business elsewhere.'(direct quote)

*Not knowing any other supplier this side of the Rockies, I went with their 'plan' and waited until the Tuesday after Labor Day for my parts. I have since discovered Larry's Off-Road Center in Ohio, and they treated me like I treat my own customers......OH to NY is only 2 days by UPS ground shipping to boot.

Wed Nov 30, 2005 7:07 am

I sent a flywheel back to him as I didn't like the quality of it, I paid the shipping, but they did refund my money, and sent me a post card.

I too had some bad service from time to time over the phone. And use them only on nessary items that cost to much to ship from California, etc.

I still want to take a trip out to see their show room.
thanks for the info(warining)

Sat Dec 17, 2005 8:31 am

Well I've been going to fisher Buggies for years and they have always helped me out , even when i haven't bought parts there they still give me advice , It is true there price may be a little high sometimes but your paying for a convinience , and i'd rather pay a little extra and see and touch what im buying than do it on line , Once i bought a Tank for a Rail that I had , and it wasn't the right diameter i went back and they exchanged it with no problems and no restocking fee, i think that was pretty cool , even though i had bought it like 7 months ago

Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:23 am

I went to Markus Detro's house to get a FREE swingaxle tranny and a front clip off a '60 T1. Stuff I needed for my beetle project. Markus has allways been a good freind since I met him at the Bug Jam show and have camped with him several times also, typical good VW mojo.

However he didn't really have alot of background info on the tranny other than it came from a sandrail. Fully willing to part with my newly aquired tranny as a core and a fist full of cash for a "warranteed" freeway flier I stopped into Fisher Buggies on the way out of town.

I got the same treatment as described above. Young dude behind the counter with some knowledge= " well it's got a bigger ring & pinion, and we don't have one in stock". Great. :roll: Big ass show room full of shiny EMPI crap, a few nice engine blocks and alot of attitude like they are doing you a favor for talking to you. Same 6mo warranty BS even though Rancho offers 1 year. Not an aircooler in the lot and now they even have another sales floor selling Taiwan crap for Japanese cars like glow-in-the dark intakes and tall-ass spoilers, Fast & furious wannabe, trendy bullshit. :roll:

Drove away remembering that Markus told me not to bother, oh well, I'm a slow learner. 8)

Fri Oct 06, 2006 6:02 pm

I had a BAD experience there, it was my first and last time.

I had a new engine built by Chico. I took my car in to get the carbs in sync, so I called and made an appointment. I come in first thing in the morning and after waiting ALL day, they tell me that they need to keep the car overnight to get it fixed, so I agree... (big mistake). I come back the next day, only to find out that they couldn't get it fixed because they said that the valves are not seating, I need to have the head pulled. They said they did a compression test and I'm getting TERRIBLE compression on all cylinders. So I call Chico and he tells me that he doesn't think that they know what they're doing.

To make a long story short, they charge me over $500.00 for the so called 9 hours they spent on it (which I think is bull$hit). $60 per hour plus $120+ to pull the carb and clean it out, plus $100+ to sync them etc. When I left there, the car ran the same as when I brought it in, and nothing was fixed. Come to find out, they DID NOT hold the throttle in when they did the compression test. Their shady tree mechanics are about as useless as a bag of rocks. I made the mistake of paying them with a credit card.

To make a long story short, the compression was perfect, the valves were fine, and it ended up just being simple carb adjustment which I learned how to do MYSELF after this whole ordeal. I can't wait till he gets his crappy aftermarket parts store out of Tampa and stops ripping people off.

Fisher Buggies is a SKID MARK on the underpants of the VW community.

Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:23 pm

I know I said I don't shop at Fisher but I received some items from them for xmas for a rai I recentl acquired. The items were not the right ones so I called Fisher and they told me to bring them in. I took in both parts and they gave me store credit because they did not have the right size. Very pleasant experience and the young guy behind the counter seemed to know what he was doing. I guess every dog has it's day. I may even go back if they have something Sundance doesn't carry! We'll see....

Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:36 am

I want to put my experience with fisher buggies, it was great. I blew the motor up in my sandrail so I needed a full rebuild. I went to them then brought my case in an they line bored an thrust cut it that was 175$ I know its a little steep but they hooked me up with the right size bearings to fit. The guy tony that was I guess you could say was my salesman was very helpfull in figuring out what all I needed, even after I payed for everything he even helped me carry out all the stuff to my jeep. If I need anything for my sandrail I will go to them first because of my experience there. They guy Ken that everyone talks about I looked for him but didnt see him so I think he MIGHT be gone.

Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:47 pm

Fisher works on everything and does a great job, They have been around a long time. If you bring up any shop in conversation then someone will have something negative to say. You can't please everyone i guess. Fisher has been around for 30 years for a reason. Their doing something right.. As for the other shops in the area, everyone has their moments.. Noone is perfect .

Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:13 pm

after reading everyones feedback, fishers sounds pretty bad, ive only gone there twice, first to get a distributor and second to exchange it for the right one, they didnt charge me, they just took mine and gave me the right one for free, so i didnt find that so bad.

i am recently shopping for a 1600 dp longblock for my 74 super, and fisher buggies has the cheapest one i can find, everything is rebuilt and put together, my question is how trustworthy would that be? im considering buying it because it near me and its the cheapest one i can find, 975 for the block and 375 for core charge, handling and tax, it comes out to approximently 1500.

any suggesting on where else to pick up a 1600 dp longblock?

Tue Aug 09, 2011 6:28 pm

The last time I bought a motor from them was in 1988. It cost me $600 w/core. I had no problems with it.

Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:16 pm

ok cool, thats good news

Wed Aug 10, 2011 3:22 pm

VWheeler wrote: after reading everyones feedback, fishers sounds pretty bad, ive only gone there twice, first to get a distributor and second to exchange it for the right one, they didnt charge me, they just took mine and gave me the right one for free, so i didnt find that so bad.

i am recently shopping for a 1600 dp longblock for my 74 super, and fisher buggies has the cheapest one i can find, everything is rebuilt and put together, my question is how trustworthy would that be? im considering buying it because it near me and its the cheapest one i can find, 975 for the block and 375 for core charge, handling and tax, it comes out to approximently 1500.

any suggesting on where else to pick up a 1600 dp longblock?

I would seriously reconsider shopping on the basis of price for something as crucial as an engine.

Wed Aug 10, 2011 4:01 pm

bugnut68 wrote:
I would seriously reconsider shopping on the basis of price for something as crucial as an engine.

Okay, first and foremost, this in NOT repeat NOT a slam against Fisher Buggies...okay, everyone got that?
I agree with Bugnut, buying and engine on price alone, is false economy.
If everyone else charges 1,000 bucks for a rebuilt engine, and one guy charges 700, ask yourself WHY.
What do other folks replace, that the one guy does not?
What step are taken to ensure a good running, long lasting engine, from the 1,000 bucks guys, that the 700 bucks guy overlooks, and skips during the rebuild process...?
I would much rather have a properly rebuilt 1600, than a thrown together 2276 "grenade motor" that will leave you nothing to save except maybe the valve covers...
Again, I AM NOT saying this is what Fisher Buggies does... I know Ken and Hilma Fisher, have for quite a few years, and like them a lot, always been friendly, courteous, and above board with me.

Sun Aug 19, 2012 5:21 pm

Everyone has to develop their own experiences/ relationships and go from there. My personal experience for ad-hoc emergency parts has been good. However, I will never allow one of their so-called qualified VW technicians to touch my car again. There's too many better and more knowledgeable VW service providers in town that don't have to pay for the overhead associated with their facility. Don't just rely on my feedback. As with any mechanic, ask around at your local VW shows and clubs and get a general feel for this shop before visiting.

Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:52 am

I went to there shop late in the day hoping to have the ride height adjusted. Basically I just wanted a price. The price was good, but they would have to keep my rail overnight. I explained that I actually lived in Lakeland, about 45 mins away. Ken fisher came and talked to me and was very nice and forthcoming. He said to me, instead of having to come back the next day with two cars, (I was driving my rail around this day), that he would drive me home in his truck if I wanted to leave my ride there overnight. So, he drove me and we joked and laughed and spoke about VWs and all about his racing. Though he drove like a grandma and it took him over and hour to get me home. I felt like I was in the company of a celebrity. I couldn't believe the personal touch that the owner gave to me. Maybe a little shmooshing goes a long way.

Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:46 am

Anyone have direct and recent experience with their long blocks? I have been to their showroom and found Tony to be very helpful. Toured everything saw all the rebuilt blocks on shelves and drag bug being loaded. Had some very nice and high end VWs in the showroom and in the shop. My bug is only valued around 3-4k So, spending 3k on a brand new engine that I know I won't have issues with seems a little ridiculous if fishers "rebuilt" engines run fine with no reliability issues. It is a toss up between buying nice and buying twice. Saving 2 grand and still having a good motor would be ideal..

Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:36 am

58deadhead wrote: Anyone have direct and recent experience with their long blocks? I have been to their showroom and found Tony to be very helpful. Toured everything saw all the rebuilt blocks on shelves and drag bug being loaded. Had some very nice and high end VWs in the showroom and in the shop. My bug is only valued around 3-4k So, spending 3k on a brand new engine that I know I won't have issues with seems a little ridiculous if fishers "rebuilt" engines run fine with no reliability issues. It is a toss up between buying nice and buying twice. Saving 2 grand and still having a good motor would be ideal..

Hate to say it, but quality engines aren't getting any cheaper these days... as has been often repeated here on this site, either "buy the best and cry once" or "you may not get what you pay for, but you'll pay for what you get."

IMO, the value of your car has nothing to do with what you pay for a solid rebuilt engine. If you're that concerned about spending more than what your car is "worth," then I'd say your setting yourself up for problems by shopping by price. JMHO.

Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:19 am

bugnut68 wrote: 58deadhead wrote: Anyone have direct and recent experience with their long blocks? I have been to their showroom and found Tony to be very helpful. Toured everything saw all the rebuilt blocks on shelves and drag bug being loaded. Had some very nice and high end VWs in the showroom and in the shop. My bug is only valued around 3-4k So, spending 3k on a brand new engine that I know I won't have issues with seems a little ridiculous if fishers "rebuilt" engines run fine with no reliability issues. It is a toss up between buying nice and buying twice. Saving 2 grand and still having a good motor would be ideal..

Hate to say it, but quality engines aren't getting any cheaper these days... as has been often repeated here on this site, either "buy the best and cry once" or "you may not get what you pay for, but you'll pay for what you get."

IMO, the value of your car has nothing to do with what you pay for a solid rebuilt engine. If you're that concerned about spending more than what your car is "worth," then I'd say your setting yourself up for problems by shopping by price. JMHO.

I absolutely agree, I am leaning toward a brand new long block from aircooled.net Doesn't ever hurt to feel out the general perspective and I am acquiring a loyalty to aircooled.net and his staff. For what it's worth I purchased a new carb from fishers and a few other odds and end parts to help me make the journey from FL to IL. I had a good experience and Tony stepped outside for a moment and looked at my beetle for me. At the time I was a complete noob to vw's and he was able to point out improper timing, missing tins and improper placement of wires and fuel line. He wouldn't let me leave with it in that condition and zipped tied my wires as well as giving me a plethora of information on making the rest right and setting up my new carb. For that, I would recommend them. I cannot speak any volume for the mechanics but as mentioned clean shop full of high end vehicles some all the way from NY. With anything people are always more app to go the extra mile for you when your a nice individual. Even if that said shop or company is at fault explaining your situation in a calm, collective and understanding manner will help. Of course some places that won't matter. I don't believe this is one of them aside from there transmission warranty I don't like reading about but that's what this section of the forum is all about.