Road and Track

Whoa! You say, what is this?
 
Unfortunatly it is a not so good review. Now I understand some people have "off days" and this may be one of them. Twice, since it has happened to me twice. Then again, it could be me. Either way I will not got to Road and Track ever again, nor recommend.
 
Now I have been to Road and Track twice. The first time I was recommended by a friend who previously owned a MR2, he didnt really know anything about R&T and now regrets telling me. My main mechanic also has heard bad reviews, but in the spirit of honesty lets count them as hearsay and just focus on what happened to me.
 
So the first time I walk in there, I ask for "the guy" to have  a look at my MR2. Upfront I offer a small fee for his time which was turned down (which was nice). He has a look over my car, does a test drive and informs me of a few things. These make absolutly no sence and contridict more or less the existance of life. But mainly:

• My Gearbox was stuffed (I already knew that)
• My clutch needed replacement (it doesn't, I have had it removed to check)
• Air filter was costing me power (Huh?)
• The MR2 never came out with a CT20B turbo, nor would one fit. (yeah it did, and it does)
• Steering bushes were worn and needed to be replaced. (they were brand new)

So with a grim outline on my car I went back to my mechanic who was flabagasted but would not badmouth another mechanic. He would only say "I havent heard good things about them, but I wasnt going to tell you". Pretty professional in my opinion.
 
I then upgraded my turbo to the ATS CT27, upgraded the Fuels pump, the Fuel Rail, the Fuel Regulator, Clutch,  Intercooler, fixed the aircon, timing belt, overhauled the gearbox, strengthened 1st and 2nd gear, and a few other pieces that would have gone to R&T had I been happy with them.
 
The second time was more of a sales inquiry, upon testing the clutch the master cylinder fell through. Ringing all around I couldnt source a cylinder so I decided to drop into R&T. Upon getting in I yet again met with "the guy". Long and short after telling me they didnt make a "mrk 2" only 3SGTE's he did have a cylinder. He asked me " I suppose you want it now?", I offered straight up to pay extra if he could get it to me today (was willing to pay $150). The response and I quote was "No, Go away". Wow, I was shocked. Did this guy want to sell something? Its 2 bolts, 1 nut and a cotter pin with enough profit for a carton. A reslieve is only about $100. Heck I was that desperate I would have pulled it out myself given the tools. To me this was the height of being rude. Result? I shopped with my feet. 
 
I have since bought the master cylinder from the UK delivered for $40.

As an interstate customer to Road and Track, The only bad thing I have to say about them is theyre a bit slow to process orders.

All my parts from them have been delivered using express post at no more than the actual cost to send it (not charging stupid amounts to pack etc) And all parts have been either genuine, or very high quality. They are a toyota spare parts shop, so I am sure Terry over there knows his stuff (always seems to know what Iam talking about with my celica)
 
The turbo question seems a bit weird though, everyone i know refers to them as a ct20b

are there maybe 2 road and track businesses? terry would never deny the ct20b exisiting on the mr2, he's even posted wtb/sale thread for them at various stages over the years.
 
something fishy with the whole situation tbh. not saying you havent had a bad exp, but some things just dont add up.
 
things about air filter, if you have a pod exposed to the hot air then yes it can cost some hp. if the clutch master was worn then if he's only taken it for a quick spin then "clutch needs replacing/or assessed" seems logical

I have purchased items from r&t many years ago. 
 
I find Terrys wife Cindy to be pleasant and very helpful but Terry to be most rude and abrupt (saying your wrong for mentioning names for certain parts is not new here!) other than this good range of parts and were the place to buy at the time. 

Personally, I've been to R&T a couple of times and can't really badmouth Terry that much. The service was OK - Cindy is very pleasant to speak to, but not overly mechanically minded for someone answering the phones/enquiries. Pricing seems to be a bit of a joke with some things, I can understand it's a local place, small business - but money still talks and it can definitely walk away if the price isn't right. Terry is very abrupt - quite quick to tell you your wrong about something, regardless of whether it's a widely known term/fact in the MR2 community and can come off being very rude. I don't know whether he knows this, or cares - but for a small business being very specific in the cars they "specialize" in - I think this needs to be looked at to continue to maintain a customer base worth talking about.
 
I don't have my deuce anymore - but if I did, and if I get another one - I won't be going back unless it's for an urgent part to PURCHASE only... and I know at least 3-4 ppl in the same boat.

Must be the way you hold you head. I've had plenty of dealings with Terry & Cindy over my years of AW ownership, & all has gone well.

Yeah, I mentioned something like that. 
 
Either way For me it is a case of "shop with my feet", I didnt find it overly cheap. I dont mind waiting to get stuff from the States or UK for 1/4 the price.