San Diego TDI Owners Roll Call

festivus

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2003
Hoping to get a list of San Diego TDI owners going so that we can swap some ideas. My first priority is to find a good, honest independent mechanic to use as a dealer alternative for some of the major services. I have a 2003 TDI with the 5 speed, only mod being the Upsolute chip. Hope there are a few others here in San Diego.
 

MRIBOB

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2003
Location
TIJUANA MEXICO
TDI
None- Jetta-0 - Mexico 1
I here in Chula Vista also.
I am slowing getting tools for VW.
I have a the rear brake tools and Bentley CD Manuel but it does not cover the new 2003 5 sp trans. that I have code ( EGR )

Dont know any shops- If the Mech. does not own a TDI himself I am not sure I would trust them.
 

sonnyboy

Member
Joined
May 3, 2003
'02 Jetta---In La jolla. Just picked her up on Thursday.
No modifications. No idea where to go for major service. I perform most minor service myself.
Guy
 

dogbreath

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2001
Location
Cave Creek, AZ.
TDI
'97 Jetta Sequoia Green
If you guys get really desperate I'm only a few hours away just East of Phoenix- handle timing belts, suspensions, PM etc.
 

festivus

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2003
Glad to see there are at least a few guys out here. I'll probably take my car to the dealer for oil changes and such (at $45 including synthetic oil and factory filter, I really won't save much doing it myself.) However, the major services are probably another story. I haven't spent too much time perusing the manual just yet, but it looks like oil changes at 5K and then at 10k intervals starting at 10k. Other than brake fluid at the two year mark, is there a whole lot more to do before the timing belt?
 

DZLRAM

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2003
Location
Vista. CA. 92083
TDI
Jetta 2003 Alaska Green
I am in North San Diego, Vista, I have a 2003 Jetta as well as 4 other diesel vehicles and have a good mechanic who is very reasonable locally in Oceanside who also has a 2000 TDI Golf

email me locally
dzlram@yahoo.com
 

Harvieux

Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
Aug 15, 1998
Location
Whittier,CA-USA
TDI
06 A5 Pkg.2 w/navi & ASEP
Hi San Diego TDI Fans, Harv is under a 100 miles North of you and I could do all your service and maintenance. I am also a dist. of SpeedTuning USA and can get you chipped for $245. I can also set you up with Kerma PP or Sprint 520 phat injector nozzels. I do demand that these nozzels be set up by Greg of Lube Specialists. I charge $325 including parts for A3/B4 timing belt, tensioner, and drive belts. A4's are $380 including parts and 80K/100K TB and tensioner and new engine mount/FIP bolts along with serp belt. I also keep fuel filters, air filters, pollen filters, oil filters, brake fluid for brake and clutch cylinder fluid flush, Vag-com with all Bentley cd's (except NB), brake jobs. If you contact me with a specific problem, I can order the parts needed in advance and give you a price before commiting. I can also provide you or your family and friends with prime TDI's that are 100% Harvieux certified. I am a CA DMV licensed dealer that specializes in VW TDI's and only VW TDI's. Any questions call (310) 721-4867. Later!
 

MRIBOB

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2003
Location
TIJUANA MEXICO
TDI
None- Jetta-0 - Mexico 1
FYI
I would check the dealers Oil brand and type.

I am not the foremost authrority on the matter but you will find a lot if info on the FAQ on this site and
also search the internet. But here is why I do it myself

I have found after calling most of the VW dealers here in SD
The dealers use 5W-40 which is correct , but it is Castrol Syntex ( API-SL and NOT API-CH)and is not really made for diesel engines.

So go to Walmart and get Rotella SYN 5w-40 and make them put that in.
The oil needs to be
(API CH-4) if you are going to do 10000 oil changes due to the diesel fuel putting soot in the oil

If you go every 5000 I dont think it makes a big deal.

I did find out that the VW engine maker uses the Rotella SYN when they build the engines.
 

SCCAONE

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Location
Sierra Vista, Arizona
TDI
03/GOLF
Does Poway count as San Diego, 2002 Jetta Wagon auto.
I installed the new Tokico over the weekend, much better ride, I also installed .75" spacers on the struts, so the front ride height is up about an inch.
 

FLY4U

Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2003
Location
San Diego, CA
I'm in northern San Diego County, between Escondido and Valley Center. Just about to reach the 5,000 mile mark and will try the dealer (Classic VW) for the first service. Beyond that,.....?

Oh, BTW it's a red '03 Jetta TDI GLS with extra antenna for Sirius Radio.
 

daygoside

New member
Joined
May 5, 2003
I'll be a '03 Golf owner in a week or two, I go in tomorrow to lay the deposit down. I tecnically live... no where, but spend most of my time between mid San Diego and Tustin.

-Ryan
 

MRIBOB

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2003
Location
TIJUANA MEXICO
TDI
None- Jetta-0 - Mexico 1
Hi San Diego TDI Fans, Harv is under a 100 miles North of you and I could do all your service and maintenance. I am also a dist. of SpeedTuning USA and can get you chipped for $245. I can also set you up with Kerma PP or Sprint 520 phat injector nozzels. I do demand that these nozzels be set up by Greg of Lube Specialists. I charge $325 including parts for A3/B4 timing belt, tensioner, and drive belts. A4's are $380 including parts and 80K/100K TB and tensioner and new engine mount/FIP bolts along with serp belt. I also keep fuel filters, air filters, pollen filters, oil filters, brake fluid for brake and clutch cylinder fluid flush, Vag-com with all Bentley cd's (except NB), brake jobs. If you contact me with a specific problem, I can order the parts needed in advance and give you a price before commiting. I can also provide you or your family and friends with prime TDI's that are 100% Harvieux certified. I am a CA DMV licensed dealer that specializes in VW TDI's and only VW TDI's. Any questions call (310) 721-4867. Later!
Nice talking to you last week.
Since my car is new it may be a while before I need you.
But when I do, I will call.
With those prices it does not make sense for me to buy all the timing Tools.
When needed, I will leave my TDI with you and go to Disneyland or Knotts Berry Farm. Your only 20 mins from there!!.
Raise your rates $40 on the timing belts and throw in a "FREE" Disneyland pass. ( Its a Joke )

See ya at TBT ( Timing Belt Time) or sooner!
 

Dierre's TDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2001
Location
Canfield, Ohio
TDI
2k1 Jetta (RIP), 2k3 Jetta, 2010 JSW
Well hello all,
I'm currently station in Everett, Wa. I just returned from one of the longest Carrier deployments in history “9.5 months” on board the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72. I’m on leave at my home in Spring Valley, Ca. with my car still in storage up in Everett, Wa. for the past eleven months. I will be transferring back to San Diego in July of this year and look forward to meeting all San Diego TDI owners. My Jetta is a 2k1 with only 16k miles on it. I have many modes with more to do know that I’m back in the good old USA
Lets make sure we all stay in touch for many GTG in the San Diego area.
I will be returning to Everett on the 27 May.
 

Denis

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Location
San Diego CA
TDI
Golf GL 5sp, 2002, White
Welcome back, I work just across the street from where you pulled in the other day at North Island. That was a long cruise. Great job you guys did.

Denis
 

TSmith

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2003
Location
So Cal
TDI
Jetta, 2003, Silver
I'm North County Coastal and have 3000+ miles on my Jetta. FLY4U, I bought my car from Classic and will never go near that place again. I didn't not like their sales tactics. Harv, I will consider you for work and I also did a little poll of my own recently and heard a lot of good things about Capistrano VW. Hello to all you S.D. TDI owners! (Who has the silver Golf on Cerro?)
 

Dierre's TDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2001
Location
Canfield, Ohio
TDI
2k1 Jetta (RIP), 2k3 Jetta, 2010 JSW
Thanks Denis,

It was a very long cruise. We will need to get together when I get back down this way for good. I will be station over at NAB Cornado at ACU1.
DC
 

TDI Nut

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2002
Location
Ontario, California
TDI
01 Golf, 99 Beetle
I used in live in San Diego and Chula Vista. I'm still working in Lemon Grove but not for long. I live in Temecula Valley/Murrieta. I have been doing the 140 mile a day commute. Small sacrifice for a decent priced home. But at least the commute has been in my 2003 Jetta GLS.
7 months old and only 27K miles.


I have done all the maintenance myself. I haven't had to take it to the dealer. Bought it last October at Villa VW in Hemet.

I'm sending you an email Harviux. I'm and looking to sell our other car (2000 Hyundai Elantra, 41K miles) and getting a older used TDI (Jetta, Golf, Passat) for a decent price.
 

Denis

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Location
San Diego CA
TDI
Golf GL 5sp, 2002, White
I bought mine at Villa VW in Hemet last July. It's never been back there though. Got a good deal through CarsDirect.com.

Denis
 

Derrel H Green

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jun 2, 2002
Location
Murrieta, California
TDI
An '05 MBZ E-320 CDI (W-211) replaced the '10 TDI JSW
Another happy camper living in Murrieta.

At those prices, ol' Harv. will be running the dealers out of business. No way to beat 'em with a stick.

At the way ours is getting the miles, it won't be long before I'll be needing his services.

 

SoCalTony

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2003
Location
Maui
TDI
2003 Golf GLS TDI Indigo Blue
Count me in, I'm in San Diego /images/graemlins/grin.gif. I just got my TDI not too long ago. I've been going to South Bay VW for service (a little bit expensive), even though I live closer to Miramar VW/Audi (wild horses couldn't drag me back to that place). Anybody have reccomendations on good dealers in the area to go to for warranty work?
 

Dierre's TDI

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2001
Location
Canfield, Ohio
TDI
2k1 Jetta (RIP), 2k3 Jetta, 2010 JSW
Hey Tony,
I also use South Bay VW for service. Not sure of how the other dealears.. Will check arround when I make the final move back to Spring Valley from Everett, Wa on the 10th of Oct. /images/graemlins/grin.gif
 

Paul_

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
I'm in Mira Mesa. My Golf has only 1250 miles since buying it 7 wks ago from the weasles at Classic. I haven't heard a good word about any of the local dealers but thankfully we have a lot to choose from.
I plan on doing all my own maintenance and running only ULSD.
 

TornadoRed

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 3, 2003
Location
West Des Moines (formerly St Paul)
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI wagon, silver; 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, indigo blue; 2003 Golf GL 5-spd, red (PARTED); 2003 Golf GLS 5-spd, indigo blue (SOLD); 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, Candy White (SOLD)
I live in the North Park/Normal Heights/Kensington neighborhood (pick one) of San Diego. I'm new to VW's and TDI's (though my mom bought a Rabbit in 1975 on my recommendation). I took delivery on July 29th from Classic VW in Escondido, and am putting about 1100-1200 miles on the odometer each week. I had the 5k service performed at City VW on Morena Blvd, mainly because they were open on the Saturday before Labor Day. I provided my own Delvac, but they still charged me $48... seems high. Too high. But I will let them do the 10k service next Saturday, then after that I don't know.

The first mod I'm interested in is the EGR mod, then maybe some stiffer shocks. I'd also like to get some seat covers, prefer fleece but not sure where to get some that don't interfere with airbag deployment.

I always buy the cheapest diesel I can find. $1.55/gal at Exxon, 805 @ University is the cheapest I've seen.

Hope to see some of you at the Capo GTG.
 

Brewdawg

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2003
Location
Ramona, San Diego County, CA
TDI
2004, Touareg TDI V10, Campanella White/Teak/Black/Myrtle
Guess I'm late to the party. I bought my 2003 Jetta GL Wagon in July. The only option I got was the automatic trans. My other options, I will be doing myself (or in the case of Upsolute, having it done).

I live just outside of Ramona (right between Poway and Ramona, actually).

Mike
 

TSmith

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2003
Location
So Cal
TDI
Jetta, 2003, Silver
TornadoRed, $48 is definately too much for the oil change. I've had mine changed at Herman Cook (Encinitas)with my own Delvac for $18.95. I live near Cook VW and have had pretty good service from them. My original plan was to have most of the maintenace done at Capistrano VW because I've heard a bunch of good things about them (I've also heard that their price is $18.95 for oil change). Unfortunately, I've had a couple of breakdowns that forced me to go to the closest dealer. Anyway, hello again to all the San Diego area TDI owners.
 

SoCalJames

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2000
Location
OC, CA
TDI
I no longer own a TDI
I'm in San Clemente, 64mi north, I would like to know if y'all find a good reliable mechanic. /images/graemlins/smile.gif I have a bone-stock 2K 5sp.
 

TSmith

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2003
Location
So Cal
TDI
Jetta, 2003, Silver
It sounds like Harv is not far from you. I also asked the question about the best dealer in So Cal a few months back and I had something like 6 out of 7 give Capostrano VW alot of praise. Hope it helps!
 

SCCAONE

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Location
Sierra Vista, Arizona
TDI
03/GOLF
Still in Poway.
Since my last post we became a 2 TDI family, Her Jetta wagon and my 03 Golf. Please don't tell me about long deployments, we left Norfolk for 3 weeks of refresher training and an ORI (Operational Readiness Inspection) some where around Florida we made a left turn, 11 month later (7 day war) we were back in Norfolk, most of us left our cars sitting on the dock and had one set of whites with us.
 
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