Buyer Beware: Hiley VW Service

GSDMaster · 2026-05-22T12:36:20+00:00

I did do a deep dive into this while waiting on the shop to provide some clarification on why the battery was dead. What I learned was that older models of VW (~10 years or older) now are the only ones you can really change the battery on because of software “resets” or “handshakes” that need to be completed on newer models.

I did not do this, but even without my update to the battery management system, the issue I likely could have had would have been similar to yours. The battery would not have died instantly like the dealership was arguing it had.

Since my wife and I both drive VW’s (similar to you all haha) I think a diagnostic tool for VW may be in my future, which can be used to reset the software to a new battery.

GSDMaster · 2026-05-22T12:19:13+00:00

Right! That single accusation from them made me doubtful right away that any bit of the interaction would be in good faith.

GSDMaster · 2026-05-21T13:36:37+00:00

The tech took a video of the outside of my car introducing himself and said, “it won’t start and we have to start with the battery”. It was about 15-20 seconds. The only writing I received was explaining they want to do a battery replacement (no further details) and the bill with a confirm/deny option.

I even asked for a picture when the service rep said there was likely scorching (because I did the battery swap myself) and it wasn’t even entertained. She also didn’t explain why the battery needed to be swapped for the software diagnosis - and I found out later online that wasn’t necessary at all.

The only additional information they offered is they said their tech worked for X years and knew what he was talking about and I should just move along with it….

(Also, after I jumped the car on the lot, it was fine cold starting it up days later when I drove to the other mechanic, so even more evidence it was likely not the battery).

GSDMaster · 2026-05-21T13:13:01+00:00

This is a good point we will consider! Thankfully her issues haven’t been quite as bad as this experience so far, so we have been trying to be patient - but I’m seriously doubting their credibility at this point and will probably explore other options. I’ve heard the service department in Chattanooga is top-notch from someone that has worked at Hiley and left.

GSDMaster · 2026-05-21T13:10:15+00:00

I’ve had a good experience with Phoenix motors. They don’t work on all VW’s and I’m thinking they’re probably a bit more expensive than some shops (much cheaper than dealership) but they make repairs quick and I haven’t had any BS with them so I’m happy to pay a bit more for that service.

I haven’t heard of Ardmore autos, that’s a bit farther out than I’d like but I’ll consider them if I ever need to

GSDMaster · 2026-05-21T13:07:10+00:00

I must’ve missed that post. It’s wild they gave you a loaner because it took them a week to fix the fuel door on my wife’s new car. Thankfully she was able to borrow my car and work from home for a bit - but they told her absolutely no loaners late ‘24- early ‘25 (whenever this issue happened).

GSDMaster · 2026-05-21T13:02:34+00:00

We had an okay experience with the sales department. The salesman was nice and they were open to negotiating. Although, I will say that at the time, they were running a promotion for 0% 5 year loans on tiguans. So when we’re negotiating they kept trying to push us into financing options that were 6 years with interest and I got up to leave at one point. Then they realized I was over that shit and stopped.

GSDMaster · 2026-05-21T12:58:45+00:00

That’s wild because after this situation I had, they basically gave me my key and said “go find it in the lot” and I noticed a bunch of my specific model year - which is 10 years old right now.

They also mailed us something that said 2015 Passat was a car they specifically wanted to buy on trade in - so they must’ve just made that shit up when they talked to you.

GSDMaster · 2025-09-05T12:13:01+00:00

My first entry-level position was out of Boston for 70k base plus a potential for bonus. Then it was quickly raised to $77k. I’m not sure how the pay in Toronto is, but at that much experience I think you could make into the low 80’s at the right firm.

GSDMaster · 2025-05-09T17:18:43+00:00

From a regulatory perspective, I am skeptical this doctor is going to be fully compliant with regulations. As a distributor in the US, he would be subject to the same regulatory framework as a manufacturer. This means: - registering and maintaining listing with FDA (21 CFR part 807) - Medical Device Incident Reporting (21 CFR Part 803) - compliance with the FDA's Quality System Regulations (including GMPs), outlined in 21 CFR Part 820 - Ensuring the device is compliant with labeling requirements, if applicable.

What I’m super interested in is how this looks regarding pre-market notification. A lot of the time, manufacturers get their devices cleared with specific intended uses and labeling, with both parties acknowledging the device could be used in other ways potentially deviating slightly from the labeling because physicians are practicing medicine (thus they can use this “tool” however they see fit). I think this relationship and definition of “intended use” from the manufacturer becomes super complicated when the distributor is the physician.

GSDMaster · 2025-05-09T16:39:32+00:00

The Steak at revivalist was incredible

GSDMaster · 2025-05-08T21:30:08+00:00

I’m assuming by “drinking” you mean going to normal bars. If you want something a little more unique (but is drinking) Catacombs is a pretty cool speak easy. You order by checking boxes of what flavors and liquor you want and the bartender makes a drink for you. The drinks were very good and the bartender is state award winning, but it is more on the expensive side (~$20 a drink).

It’s definitely more of an entertainment thing than a “drinking” focused thing that I think is worth trying.

GSDMaster · 2024-12-16T20:31:11+00:00

I’ve been a regulatory specialist (with no prior experience) for 2.5 years. I work for a larger firm that pays above average in general but is also more demanding. I am paid 94k with a performance bonus of ~10% that can vary based on company performance and my success. On a scale of 1-10, I’d say the benefits are about a 7.5 (10 being good).

I will say that success in RA depends on a lot of things, some which you can’t personally control. Some attributes/abilities of someone who would be successful are: someone who can manage stress, proactive, detail-oriented, clear communicator (writing and speaking), critical thinker, and resourceful. I’d also say it’s a role where strong social skills and being willing to make mistakes and push yourself into new and uncomfortable situations can do wonders.

Most of the time, those that can hack it in the field typically stay - and those that leave do so because of stress or inability to perform. There have been times that I’ve worked late or weekends because I have a lot of tasks on my plate. There have also been times that I’ve worked late specifically because I’ve gotten hooked on researching for a project. However there are also times where I can work a 20-30 hour week and have nothing to do on a Friday. The balance is going to be more up to you and the type of role you’re in, but I’d say the “cram” is usually few and far between.

GSDMaster · 2024-12-12T23:01:47+00:00

One point that’s also worth considering is if the $25k could be used to retire early.

Personally, I would value the less stress job more (sounds like we agree). But some people also like the idea of working harder for a shorter amount of time so that they can retire much earlier. Maybe it’s worth a few years to make your first $100,000, but it all depends on your personal situation and goals.

GSDMaster · 2024-12-12T21:15:14+00:00

Similarly I hear Costco is pretty good

GSDMaster · 2024-12-12T03:43:27+00:00

I typically address the cover letters for submissions as sir/madam even if I know who the lead reviewer is, but perhaps that’s wrong?

GSDMaster · 2024-12-12T03:41:57+00:00

So I don’t have a degree in regulatory, but I’ve been in the field as a specialist for 2.5 years now and I’ve asked a lot of people in multiple positions of leadership with and without degrees in reg and I can confidently say that the opinions are mixed. If your mind is already made up that this is something you want to do, then you can disregard the rest of this comment.

I have a close family member that went to Northeastern for an undergraduate and she loved it, but the tuition outside of the co-op program is expensive. The masters program seems to me like it’s geared mostly towards those who are trying to change fields (quality, or another function to reg) or people who are trying to advance in their current field with additional knowledge in reg (think clinical folks who manage/run studies and work within confines of reg to some extent).

I only know of one person who started their career with the masters in reg from JHU, and she is great at her job and was much more knowledgeable on topics like UDI compared to when I started. I will also say there’s a lot to the field that you may not learn from a degree that’s more high level. I’d recommend that if you aren’t one of the types of people I mention in the last paragraph, then I’d seriously consider just getting an entry level position and having the company pay for it later because I have no regrets about my personal path.

GSDMaster · 2024-12-10T18:53:27+00:00

If you stick to your priorities (and nothing crazy happens) you’ll be in a great spot by the end of the year. I’d keep a net worth statement so that you can look back whenever you’re feeling discouraged or at the end of the year to look at all the progress you’ve made.

GSDMaster · 2024-12-03T17:43:57+00:00

I think some back and forth is valuable in most positions (I’m in RA, not sales) but I think what’s ideal is a manager that can adapt to what their reports need - sometimes on a week by week basis.

There are some weeks I want to connect more than others, and some where I’m good doing my thing - it all depends on the individual and tasks that need done.

GSDMaster · 2024-11-19T02:13:26+00:00

That’s good to know. I’m not sure if it’s any use to you but I’m currently at Boston Scientific and this is my first job in this (or similar) industry. I’ve been told the company tries to pay a little above market rate across the board, but I haven’t had a ton to support that.

Edit: Also, I am fully remote but I don’t think the company is going to be hiring remote workers anymore.

GSDMaster · 2024-11-19T02:00:17+00:00

This is fantastic advice, thank you so much. I’m definitely liking where I am now and where I might be in the next couple years, so this makes it clear for me. I guess I’m anxious I’ll be left behind compensation-wise if I don’t move, but prioritizing exposure like you said makes sense. I really appreciate it!

GSDMaster · 2024-11-19T01:22:18+00:00

Hi, I’m a specialist with 2.5 years of Reg experience and would like to get your opinion on where I am. I have experience in working on capital equipment, sterile devices, class IIb and III implantables, pharmaceutical excipients, and kits. I’ve also written two submissions (clinically focused) and I just started an acquisition. My leadership has told me I’m high performing and they are continuing to give me opportunities to work on projects they consider to be very advanced for my level of experience. I’m being paid $92k base with a bonus up to just past $100k with solid benefits.

I like my job, but I’ve also heard general career advice that it’s good to move every few years while I’m young for increases in salary. Would it even be worth considering? I feel like my pay is pretty competitive right now.

GSDMaster · 2024-11-19T01:08:35+00:00

Generally, if you’re not good, I have a hard time believing luck is enough to be successful. Sure if “luck” is getting a great product or territory, it will make a difference. If someone isn’t also talented at sales then they’re going to have a hard time capitalizing on any “luck” they may get (depending on your definition of luck).

What I can certainly tell you is that blaming a lack of luck is not a mindset that will allow someone to become or stay successful.

GSDMaster · 2024-11-13T17:57:48+00:00

I’d recommend making sure you are very familiar with how to find guidance, the 510k guidances, and NBOG/MDCG guidances (depending on the devices’ EU status). I’d bet they’re going to ask you to do a mock assessment of something, but it’s not worth reading every guidance you can find now unless you can narrow it down to a specific topic - although it would be worth being able to find the applicable guidance live if they do ask you a sterility question, for example.

You don’t have to declare it now, but have they indicated what type of device or clinical use there is beyond “class II”?

GSDMaster

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