BMW · Audi · Mercedes-Benz · Volkswagen · Porsche · Volvo · Mini
Dealer-level diagnostics, factory-schedule maintenance and repairs for European cars — by Red Seal technicians, at independent prices, with a written estimate before any work.
Vancouver, British ColumbiaEst. 2004Red Seal technicians · European makes only
Chapter I
Every car is road-tested before and after, by the technician who did the work.
A European car is built to tight tolerances and a strict schedule, and it rewards an owner who keeps to both. We follow the factory procedures and torque specs, use parts that meet or beat the original, and tell you in plain English what we did, what can wait and what can’t.
Chapter II
One gets you to work every day. The other is why you get up on Sunday.
Mon–FriThe daily driverOil services, brakes, timing chains and the warning light on the dash — done right and on schedule, so the car you rely on stays reliable.
Sat–SunThe weekend carSpring inspections, track-day prep, sports exhausts and the careful hands a Porsche or an M car deserves.
Factory schedule · oil, filters, fluids · from $189
Oil services, inspections and the fluids people forget — brake, coolant and gearbox — done at the intervals the maker sets, with parts that meet the spec and a stamped record.
Factory-level software · most cars same day
Warning lights, electrical faults, module coding and battery registration — the work that needs dealer-level software, without the dealer’s wait.
Pads, rotors, control arms, alignment
Measured before we quote, so you only replace what is worn. Control-arm bushings and ball joints — a European weak spot — are checked at every visit.
Timing chains · leaks · DSG, PDK & automatic service
Timing chains, water pumps, valve-cover and oil-filter-housing leaks, and gearbox services on dual-clutch and automatic transmissions — the big jobs, done once.
Before you buy · written report in 24 hours
A full scan, a road test and an hour on the lift before you buy that used Audi or Porsche — so you pay for the car, not for its last owner’s deferred maintenance.
Chapter III
Kilometres, not guesses. What most European cars need, and when.
Factory-spec oil and filter, a forty-two-point inspection and the service indicator reset. Once a year if you drive less.
Brake fluid every two years regardless, cabin and engine air filters, wiper blades and a road test.
New plugs on most turbocharged engines, coolant tested, belts and hoses inspected.
Dual-clutch and automatic transmission fluid and filter, to the maker’s procedure and temperature.
Water pumps and thermostats are a European car’s weak point; we inspect and replace them before they strand you.
Timing chains, engine mounts and suspension bushings. A well-kept European car is just getting started.
Your car’s own schedule depends on its make, engine and how you drive it. We print the one for your VIN at your first visit and remind you before each service is due.
Chapter IV
Prices before GST. Your estimate is always written for your car first.
We use original-equipment parts or parts that meet the maker’s specification, and every invoice says which. Courtesy cars are available for jobs that keep your car overnight.
Chapter V
Red Seal technicians on the floor. Every one still takes the factory courses.
Owner · Red Seal automotive service technician · 26 years
Trained at a German-brand dealership in Vancouver and opened the Autohaus in 2004 with two hoists and one rule: fix it the way the factory would, explain it the way a friend would. Still road-tests the cars himself on Fridays.
Lead technician · Red Seal · Volkswagen group & Volvo
Twelve years on Audis, Volkswagens and Volvos, from timing chains to dual-clutch gearboxes. Keeps a binder of every factory bulletin since 2010, and actually reads it.
Service advisor · Red Seal technician · BMW, Mini & Porsche
Came to us as an apprentice in 2015, spent eight years on the tools and now runs the front desk — so the person who explains your estimate has done the job himself. Owns a 1987 911 he will not stop talking about.
“The dealer quoted $3,800 for a timing chain on my Audi. Kessler did it for less with the same parts, sent me photos of the worn guides and had it back in two days.”
“They told me what could wait. Nobody has ever told me what could wait.”
“The pre-purchase inspection on a 911 found a leaking rear main seal the seller never mentioned. We negotiated $4,000 off. Best $295 I have spent.”
Chapter VI
Three ways to keep it on schedule. No contracts.
$189per visit
Most four- and six-cylinder cars.
Book a serviceMost owners
$39per month
Cancel any time. One car per plan.
Join Kessler Care$295per car
Book before you hand over a deposit.
Book an inspectionPrices in Canadian dollars, before GST and PST. Every repair carries a 24-month / 40,000 km parts and labour warranty, and we will always show you the old parts.
No. You can have your car maintained by any qualified shop. We use parts that meet the maker’s spec, follow the factory schedule, stamp your record and give you every receipt.
Do you use original parts?We use original-equipment parts, or parts from the same suppliers that meet the maker’s specification, and your invoice says which. If you would rather have dealer parts, just ask.
Can you code new batteries and reset service lights?Yes. We have factory-level software for every make we look after, so batteries, brake pads and service intervals are registered to the car properly.
Will you call before doing extra work?Every time. You approve a written estimate first; if we find something else, we call with photos and a price — and we tell you what can wait.
Do you have courtesy cars?Two, for jobs that keep your car overnight. For shorter visits there is a lounge with coffee and Wi-Fi, and we are a short walk from the SkyTrain.
How do I pay?Debit, all major credit cards or e-transfer, when you pick the car up — never before the work is done.
Chapter VII
Bring it in for a service. Leave with a plan for the next five years.
Tell us what you drive and what it needs — or what it is doing. We’ll call back within one business day to confirm a time, and every visit includes a written inspection report with photos.