I am convinced that the difference between having a long term love or a short term hatred for owning a German car has a lot to do with where it is serviced. As someone who never felt they could afford a new one, I’ve driven 10-30 year-old models for the past 40 years. My last three have been diesel-powered station wagons, which are very rare.
My current model, a 1987 300TDT is one of the rarest. The only 6-cylinder diesel model sported a new body style that year, the only year they were imported. With 235,000 hard miles on her, she needed a good mechanic when Tom Potter opened Potter’s Precision Automotive in August of 2014.
Since he was a young boy, Tom always loved cars. He started his automotive apprenticeship at Mercedes Motor Works in Tampa, FL in 1992 followed by the Tampa Mercedes dealer, Precision Motor Cars in 1995. “Throughout my dealership career, Mercedes-Benz has sent me for ongoing certifications and trainings at their learning centers in Houston and Jacksonville.” An ASE Master Technician, Mercedes-Benz Master Technician, and one of two AMG Specialists at Crown Euro-Cars Inc. in St. Petersburg, Tom decided in 2014 to pursue his dream of owning and operating his own service & repair shop. Potter’s Precision Imports (PPI) opened in August and is quickly developing a reputation for a high level of service and integrity, both to customers and team members.
I first met Tom years ago at Bill Gramley Automotive. Bill ran a great shop and supplemented by buying and selling high end cars, mostly Rolls Royces. Tom was his star Mercedes mechanic, fresh from Precision in Tampa. He exhibited great knowledge and love for the classic models we liked to drive. When he moved as a service writer to Crown, he continued to be a resource, confirming my diagnosis of symptoms the car exhibited. The impression I always got from Tom was one of honesty and caring for his customers and his work, two of the most important characteristics I look for in any business relationship, but especially one where a valuable asset and the safety of my family are at stake.
Tom’s spotless shop is centrally located in Pinellas Park, facing 66th Ave. N., one block west of 34th street (U.S. 19), six blocks south of Park Blvd. and just a few blocks away from Crown, the St. Petersburg Mercedes dealership where Tom was a Mercedes-Benz Master Service Advisor until recently.
These guys go above and beyond normal service measures. For example, Wurth “Rubber Care” is applied to door and window seals.Any leaves are cleared from cowl drains and trunk seals. When wheels are removed, the hubs are cleaned and treated with anti-seize, then the wheels are hand-torqued to specification. (If you’ve ever had to change a tire that is stuck on the hub after the lug bolts are removed, you will appreciate this extra step) They save my old parts and take the time to explain what has been done. They are happy to work on older vintage German cars, yet are fully q
ualified on the newest models. They use the proper service products to keep your new car warranty satisfied without having to pay dealership prices. For services under 3 hours, the
customer lounge is very nice, clean and comfortable, and there are restaurants, movies and a mall in the area. For services that take over 3 hours, a rental car is often provided. Not only is the work top notch, but the level of customer service provided is second to none!They work on and service BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW and Mercedes-Benz. The state-of-the art shop employ’s Autologic ,
Autel- Maxysys and Launch scan equipment. BG Products are offered and if selected, come with a complimentary “Lifetime Protection Plan ” (for vehicles under 75,000 miles). Visit their website at www.pottersimports.com, find them on Facebook or Yelp. I can personally recommend this shop. Call for details, ask for an estimate, and be sure to tell them, Paradise NEWS sent you.
The physical address is 6625 35 St. N. Unit 1, Pinellas Park, FL 33781. Phone 727-914-8968.
Story by Peter Roos