Trusted TDI Mechanics - By State

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)
Sounds like another one of those "old-time" VW specialist garages... Many of them can do repairs on the older models, but some of them just work on the newer cars in exactly the same way, often resulting in "mark and pray" timing belt replacements and other less-than-optimal efforts. We'd really like an opinion on their work from someone who's been here long enough to know the proper way to do these more exacting repairs. (Example: I had to let one of these shops know what the proper oil for a 2004 Golf is... they were going to put in Castrol...)

Yuri
Exactly. I had a timing belt changed by someone with excellent training in diesel engines. I had to locate and obtain a set of timing belt tools for him to use, and he put the engine back together properly; but he did not have VAGCOM or VCDS, so I had to go to another TDI mechanic to get it properly timed.

Rather than go through all this hassle, it just makes more sense to go to a genuine TDI expert the first time.
 

myoung004

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Location
California
TDI
2002 Jetta
Pasadena/San Gabriel/Temple City, CA

I have a trusted mechanic (A1 Automotive Service) that works on a variety of automobiles. Most recently, he fixed a problem that one of the trusted mechanics on this site failed to repair. A few months ago, I had a stalling/won't start problem and a separate starter won't crank problem. After spending over $600.00 dollars to repair my fuel pump/sender inside the tank and changing over $250.00 worth of battery cables... I thought the problem was solved. The very next day, the car would not start at the market due to a bad starter. I believe that I could have saved over $350.00 if the cables were not replaced because it was actually the starter. In the end, the problem was a clogged fuel pump/pickup and a bad starter.

When I was stranded at the market with the 2002 Jetta Tdi (due to a faulty starter), we were lucky that AAA came by and somehow got the car started. When I got home, I call A1 Automotive and the owner came by and looked at the car. He said right away that it was a starter. He had me try to start the car while he banged on the starter with a stick. Right away it started. He drove it the 1 block to his shop and fixed it in 2 hours. He only charged me $120.00 for parts and labor because I am such a frequent customer. Anyway, he was also the guy who changed my waterpump, timing belt (100,000 mile), serpentine belt, front and cam seal along with the bolts to the engine mount for $200.00. He only did labor and did do the mark and pray method. I gave him all the parts. When I took the car to the "trusted mechanic" from this site, he said the timing was spot on and everything looked okay on the Vag-Com. Anyway, if you want to save money and are in the neighborhood, you can check him out. Tell him that Mike the one that owns the (rv, Mercedes diesel, VW Jetta Tdi, Frontier, Sienna, Merkur, etc.) send you and he will give you a good deal. Definitely not as good a deal as he gives me. Btw, he fixes all my cars. He is a trained Toyota certified mechanic and works on a variety of cars. He races a Lotus Elise and has a strong following with them too! I asked him and he said that the timing belt change, etc. would normally be about $300-$350 when you supply the parts. A starter or alternator will probably cost somewhere around $200.00 including parts and labor. They also specialize in air-conditioning. One final bonus, he does have a version of Vag-Com and would give free estimates and turn off codes for you. In the end, I wish I had taken my Jetta Tdi to him because he knew the problem with the fuel pump and starter and could have saved me over $350.00.
 
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vwjettadsl

Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
Feb 24, 2005
Location
Missouri
TDI
TDI’s
He only did labor and did do the mark and pray method.
So he could have saved you money on the starter, but he could also cost you or some other TDI owner in the future $2000+ in repair costs for doing a mark and pray method timing belt job. Where is the smart logic in that?:confused::confused::confused:
 

tditom

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 5, 2001
Location
Jackson, MI
TDI
formerly: 2001 Golf GL, '97 Passat (RIP) '98 NB, '05 B5 sedan
...he was also the guy who changed my waterpump, timing belt (100,000 mile), serpentine belt, front and cam seal along with the bolts to the engine mount for $200.00. He only did labor and did do the mark and pray method. ....
This mechanic does not belong on the trusted list. Moderator, please remove.
 

40X40

Experienced
Joined
Feb 12, 2006
Location
Kansas City area, MO
TDI
2013 Passat SEL Premium
So he could have saved you money on the starter, but he could also cost you or some other TDI owner in the future $2000+ in repair costs for doing a mark and pray method timing belt job. Where is the smart logic in that?:confused::confused::confused:
This mechanic does not belong on the trusted list. Moderator, please remove.
Agreed.

There is no excuse for a mark and pray TB job and it should be grounds for removal from the 'trusted' list.

We may have to come up with some qualifications for a person who desires to nominate a trusted shop. The person who nominated the shop in question obviously failed to do the TDIclub membership justice.

Bill
 

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)
This mechanic does not belong on the trusted list. Moderator, please remove.
A1 Automotive is not on the list and never has been. So there is no need to remove it.
 

myoung004

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Location
California
TDI
2002 Jetta
So he could have saved you money on the starter, but he could also cost you or some other TDI owner in the future $2000+ in repair costs for doing a mark and pray method timing belt job. Where is the smart logic in that?:confused::confused::confused:
I'm sorry if I got everyone all worked up. What I was trying to explain is that a Tdi is very similar to any other diesel. Many diagnosis are the same for diesels and even gasoline engines. I went to a "trusted" mechanic listed here and I ended up spending $400.00 for something that I did not need or had wanted. I would have turned it down if I was given a chance because I had suspected the starter and knew pretty much that it was not the battery cables. A simple ohm test would have verified the cables were good! I was proven correct when I was stranded again with a no crank issue the very next day. When my mechanic came to my house, he diagnosis it as a starter issue (in one minute) and asked me to try starting while he was hitting the starter with a stick. The car started right up. Once the starter was replaced, the issue has not returned.

When I first had the stalling issue and starting issue, my own mechanic had stated that he believes it was the fuel pump/pickup and starter. But, I decided to not believe him because i was convinced that the VW Tdi is such a different beast and so I went to a "trusted" mechanic on this site. In the end, I wasted about $400.00 by going to a trusted mechanic. (I have the receipts to prove this). Anyway, a couple of weeks later, I smelled coolant and could not see a leak. My mechanic again looked at the car and in literally 1 minute found a pinhole leak from one of the plastic hose connectors. Found the parts online and 3 days later had him installed it and paid him $25.00.

Btw, all mechanics take shortcuts. It doesn't make them a bad mechanic. I had 3 different cars that had the timing belt done at 3 different dealerships. Two Toyotas and one Merkur. All three had the mark and pray method done. Does that make all 3 dealerships incompetent? Oh wait, I just got my timing belt done on my 5 year old Sienna and the old belt that they gave me has the white marks on it too! That is 4 cars that had 4 different dealership mechanic do the same thing! All mechanics take shortcuts. A knowledgeable mechanic will take shortcuts to save time but not hurt the car. All responsible and reputable shop will honor any damage that they make. I know that my mechanic would and so that is why I took my timing belt service to him.

In the end, you don't need to drive hundreds of miles for someone to do a timing belt change or other relatively simple repairs like I see what many people on this forum have done.

Take care
 

myoung004

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Location
California
TDI
2002 Jetta
So he could have saved you money on the starter, but he could also cost you or some other TDI owner in the future $2000+ in repair costs for doing a mark and pray method timing belt job. Where is the smart logic in that?:confused::confused::confused:
Not worry about the $2000.00 in repairs because any honest shop will either turn down the job if it's beyond their scope or honor their mistakes and make it right. I know that the shop I go to is honest and honorable.

I'm sorry if I got everyone all worked up. What I was trying to explain is that a Tdi is very similar to any other diesel. Many diagnosis are the same for diesels and even gasoline engines. I went to a "trusted" mechanic listed here and I ended up spending $400.00 for something that I did not need or had wanted. I would have turned it down if I was given a chance because I had suspected the starter and knew pretty much that it was not the battery cables. A simple ohm test would have verified the cables were good! I was proven correct when I was stranded again with a no crank issue the very next day. When my mechanic came to my house, he diagnosis it as a starter issue (in one minute) and asked me to try starting while he was hitting the starter with a stick. The car started right up. Once the starter was replaced, the issue has not returned.

When I first had the stalling issue and starting issue, my own mechanic had stated that he believes it was the fuel pump/pickup and starter. But, I decided to not believe him because i was convinced that the VW Tdi is such a different beast and so I went to a "trusted" mechanic on this site. In the end, I wasted about $400.00 by going to a trusted mechanic. (I have the receipts to prove this). Anyway, a couple of weeks later, I smelled coolant and could not see a leak. My mechanic again looked at the car and in literally 1 minute found a pinhole leak from one of the plastic hose connectors. Found the parts online and 3 days later had him installed it and paid him $25.00.

Btw, all mechanics take shortcuts. It doesn't make them a bad mechanic. I had 3 different cars that had the timing belt done at 3 different dealerships. Two Toyotas and one Merkur. All three had the mark and pray method done. Does that make all 3 dealerships incompetent? Oh wait, I just got my timing belt done on my 5 year old Sienna and the old belt that they gave me has the white marks on it too! That is 4 cars that had 4 different dealership mechanic do the same thing! All mechanics take shortcuts. A knowledgeable mechanic will take shortcuts to save time but not hurt the car. All responsible and reputable shop will honor any damage that they make. I know that my mechanic would and so that is why I took my timing belt service to him.

In the end, you don't need to drive hundreds of miles for someone to do a timing belt change or other relatively simple repairs like I see what many people on this forum have done.

Take care
 

bhtooefr

TDIClub Enthusiast, ToofTek Inventor
Joined
Oct 16, 2005
Location
Newark, OH
TDI
None
Mark and pray jobs don't account for belt stretch, so timing will become more and more off over time... and diesels have far closer tolerances. Not only that, but the proper tools - at the very least, the cam lock plate and injection pump lock pins - are faster than a mark and pray job.

There are very valid technical reasons to never do a mark and pray job, and on the TDIs (and any other VW engine, for that matter), no valid reason to not use the proper tools.

What trusted mechanic did you go to that caused you to waste $400? If they're not doing things properly, they should be named.
 

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)
What trusted mechanic did you go to that caused you to waste $400? If they're not doing things properly, they should be named.
Not all the guys on the list are equally great. What we've tried to do is identify people who understand the TDI-specific components, how they work, and what are the symptoms when they begin to fail.

Starters are not TDI-specific. So the guy who figured out that the starter is at fault is not necessarily the best guy to work on your TDI. And the guy who tried something else besides the starter is not necessarily a bad person to let work on your TDI.
 

myoung004

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Location
California
TDI
2002 Jetta
Not all the guys on the list are equally great. What we've tried to do is identify people who understand the TDI-specific components, how they work, and what are the symptoms when they begin to fail.

Starters are not TDI-specific. So the guy who figured out that the starter is at fault is not necessarily the best guy to work on your TDI. And the guy who tried something else besides the starter is not necessarily a bad person to let work on your TDI.
I actually have a few people asking me to name the shop that missed the diagnosis. Although I am very angry at having paid $400.00 extra, I quite agree with you and that is why I have not named the Tdi trusted mechanic. I work on cars as a hobby and do understand quite a bit. I have replaced engines and swap a car with an automatic to a manual transmission. With that said, I do know things gets missed and now believe that a good mechanic can probably diagnosis and repair 95% of the stuff on our cars. Many are a lot cheaper too! Like I said, the mechanic that I take my cars to normally would probably undercut the "trusted" mechanic by at least 25-50%. With this time and age, many people just don't have $1200.00 to do a timing belt, waterpump, etc. change. I think in total I paid about $300.00 for parts (100,000 mile timing belt, serpentine belt, waterpump, front and cam seals tensioners, and engine mount bolts) and about $200 something for labor. If people are really serious and are worried about the "trusted" mechanic, PM me and I will give you the name. I can probably even dig up the receipt to prove what I said is true.
 

bhtooefr

TDIClub Enthusiast, ToofTek Inventor
Joined
Oct 16, 2005
Location
Newark, OH
TDI
None
And not all trusted mechanics charge $1200 for a timing belt plus water pump, either. Depends on who you go to, really.

And, like I said, it's quicker to do it using the special tools, which pay for themselves pretty quickly. He's even aware of some of the tools, clearly, because he has VAG-COM.
 

myoung004

Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Location
California
TDI
2002 Jetta
We may have to come up with some qualifications for a person who desires to nominate a trusted shop. The person who nominated the shop in question obviously failed to do the TDIclub membership justice.

Bill[/QUOTE]

I am the person who nominated the shop in question! How did I fail to do the TDIclub membership justice? I just suggested that many of the things that go wrong is common with all cars. Why do we need to spend about $100.00 per hour to diagnosis and repair simple problems like starters, fuel pump, etc. Like I said, I saved easily $500.00 on my TB job and the trusted shop even verified that everything was done right! All I'm suggesting is that the shop I go to is good, knowledgeable and honest. There are lots of independent shops out there that can do most repairs even without the special tools. All I want is to save people time and money. There are people that have driven several hundreds miles to do a TB job. That's just crazy! Plus, even trusted shops misdiagnose problems and cost money ($400) like the shop that I went to! Come on, how hard would it have been to use a ohm meter on a set of battery cables! Btw, I was quoted over $1200.00 for the TB job with waterpump, etc. from the dealer and the trusted shop stated it would be over $950.00! Who couldn't use an extra $500. Plus, if the shop messes up, they will fix it!
 
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bhtooefr

TDIClub Enthusiast, ToofTek Inventor
Joined
Oct 16, 2005
Location
Newark, OH
TDI
None
The problem is, the engine will cost $2000 or more to fix if/when the mark and pray timing belt job fails.
 

jasonTDI

TDI GURU Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
Apr 26, 2001
Location
Oregon, WI
TDI
20' RAM 3500 CCLB dually HO/Aisan. 2019 Cherokee 2.0T
Mark and pray jobs don't account for belt stretch, so timing will become more and more off over time... and diesels have far closer tolerances. Not only that, but the proper tools - at the very least, the cam lock plate and injection pump lock pins - are faster than a mark and pray job.

There are very valid technical reasons to never do a mark and pray job, and on the TDIs (and any other VW engine, for that matter), no valid reason to not use the proper tools.

What trusted mechanic did you go to that caused you to waste $400? If they're not doing things properly, they should be named.
One thing you are wrong about it belt stretch. They really don't. The wear is greater and the tensioner makes up for it.

And I take issue with the "ALL MECHANICS TAKE SHORT CUTS" comment.

I don't. I have not, no will I EVER do a timing belt without lock down tools where they are required. I can guarantee you I can do timing belts faster than almost anyone and do the correctly. I chose to do them leisurely and show the clients what is going on. Generally about 3-4 hours.

There are a couple hack mechanics up where you are on the list. I've had former clients move near you and have run ins with them.
 

40X40

Experienced
Joined
Feb 12, 2006
Location
Kansas City area, MO
TDI
2013 Passat SEL Premium
A mark and pray TB job is an automatic fail. Recommending a shop that uses the mark and pray technique for the trusted list is also an automatic fail.

Rather easy to understand, isn't it? Please understand we are not hollering at you or making fun of you in any way.

Can the moderators please clean up the last few pages? This is supposed to be a list of trusted mechanics by state, not a thread that attempts to explain why a shop automatically fails to make the list.

Bill
 

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)
Can the moderators please clean up the last few pages? This is supposed to be a list of trusted mechanics by state, not a thread that attempts to explain why a shop automatically fails to make the list.
Actually, this is not something the moderators should do, even if they wanted to.

VeeDubTDI manages the Google map of recommended TDI mechanics, and jwlionking manages the list. Lots of folks have been mentioned in this thread, all 1600+ messages in the thread; but only the best are on the list and/or on the map.

If a moderator decided to go through the entire thread, he would inevitably end up deleting a lot of useful information. It's not only important to know who to go to, but also who NOT to go to.
 

bhtooefr

TDIClub Enthusiast, ToofTek Inventor
Joined
Oct 16, 2005
Location
Newark, OH
TDI
None
Actually, that leads into an interesting point.

Should a list be made of shops that have been demonstrated as being incompetent to perform more than just basic services (or even ones that have failed at even those) on TDIs?
 

jasonTDI

TDI GURU Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
Apr 26, 2001
Location
Oregon, WI
TDI
20' RAM 3500 CCLB dually HO/Aisan. 2019 Cherokee 2.0T
You guys have not heard a lot of the shops end here. Not just in this case. I'm just saying.....
 

rdkern

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 21, 2004
Location
Humboldt Co CA
TDI
Passat 1997 silver (sold after 11 years), Jetta 2000 atlantic blue
Actually, that leads into an interesting point.

Should a list be made of shops that have been demonstrated as being incompetent to perform more than just basic services (or even ones that have failed at even those) on TDIs?
It would be a wonderful idea, but I would fear legal issues.
 

ZeroCool

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2011
Location
NJ
TDI
2010 VW TDI
Who would be a good source to help if I want to do the HID conversion in my 2005.5 Jetta for the whole shabang... new projectors etc...

I know I would need a vag-com and possibly during off the DRL's etc..
 

BrentRN

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2006
Location
New London, PA USA
TDI
Used to have many. Now a Golf TSI.
I have been using Euro-Car in West Grove, PA for over 6 years and have referred my VW-driving friends there. The owner, Joe Wotypka, has a one-man operation specializing in European cars but he is especially fond of TDIs. He has the tools and many years experience. His wife Laurie is the receptionist so he usually pretty easy to get a hold of. While he will accept emergencies it is best to make an appointment several weeks ahead. He has no loaner and the waiting room is just a couple of chairs. There are diners and library within walking distance. The shop is located in an old building on a residential street. Joe will always look for ways to save you money. He is very good about taking care of his regular customers. He uses OEM or German parts.

Euro-Car
Proprietor: Joe Wotypka
105 Woodland Avenue
West Grove PA 19390
610-869-5600
 

Sobo

Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2009
Location
Buffalo
TDI
None as of now
If anyone is looking to have some work done near Buffalo, NY; I could probably help you out.

I have all the timing belt tools, Vag-com, and pretty much every other tool you can think of. My car is self serviced and has just crested the 200k mile.

My rates are fairly reasonable and I have 4+ years of advanced mechanic experience (Gas and diesel).

Alex Sobo
716 868 329six
 

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)
If anyone is looking to have some work done near Buffalo, NY; I could probably help you out.

I have all the timing belt tools, Vag-com, and pretty much every other tool you can think of. My car is self serviced and has just crested the 200k mile.

My rates are fairly reasonable and I have 4+ years of advanced mechanic experience (Gas and diesel).

Alex Sobo
716 868 329six
Alex, I think we would like to hear from your happy customers before adding you to the recommended list. But your part of NY State is in need of TDI experts, so hopefully you are on your way to becoming one.
 

Sobo

Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2009
Location
Buffalo
TDI
None as of now
Alex, I think we would like to hear from your happy customers before adding you to the recommended list. But your part of NY State is in need of TDI experts, so hopefully you are on your way to becoming one.
I'd love to back it up with some happy customers, but as of yet I haven't worked on a TDI other than my own car.

Gasser cars are a different story though, I've built and fixed pretty much anything under the sun for other people.

However, If I do end up catching some work I'll be sure to have someone post up on here.
 

Hintertux

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2001
Location
Fort Walton Beach, FL
TDI
2013 Beetle TDI DSG Candy White
Got a new one for you here in Huntsville, AL: Johnson Foreign Auto, Inc.
Brought my 97 Passat there to have a dashectomy to replace the AC vent covers. Lots of VWs and Audi in the lot when I dropped it off; still lots int he lot when I picked it up but all different ones. So they do a lot of work. both older and newer stuff too. Can't speak for their Diesel work as I did not have any done. But they are setup for VW and Audi.

Johnson Foreign Auto, Inc.
[FONT=&quot]Import Parts and Service Specializing in V.W. & Audi
1215 Putman Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35816
(256) 830-0620
http://www.johnsonforeignauto.com/[/FONT]
jfauto@hiwaay.net
 

bhtooefr

TDIClub Enthusiast, ToofTek Inventor
Joined
Oct 16, 2005
Location
Newark, OH
TDI
None
So, they may be a trusted VW/Audi mechanic, but you can't speak for their diesel work? Um, this is trusted TDI mechanics, not trusted VW mechanics.
 

airtexaco

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2009
Location
North Carolina
TDI
2002 Jetta TDI W/auto (NOW A 5 SPEED!)
Jimmy Bryant in North Carolina is extremely professional. He did my 5 speed swap in a couple of days. Thanks very much for posting him here!
 

passat97

New member
Joined
May 26, 2011
Location
westminster, calif
TDI
1997 passat
Homeless in Socal

Have two TDI's here in Socal and have not been able to find a reliable TDI shop in the last 3 years.
Am not a do it yourselfer (I'm an old man who loves to FISH)........and my B4 is a daily driver.
Will not take them to Whittier.......:mad:
Contacted two independents on the list........no response. One of them was the guy who threw a VNT17 on my modded 98 NB.....only to die weeks later.
VWSpecialties.......closed last month.
B4 needs general service........a new starter and a checkup.
98 NB needs engine diagnoses/fix.............and ideas on how to get it through
calif smog.
Any Help/Recommendations on where to take my TDI's would be greatly
appreciated:)
 
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