Seattle TDI mechanic needed!

I have a 2003 VW Jetta TDI station wagon. I have 79K miles on it and need to get my 80K tune up. The dealer said that I should get my timing belt changed at 80K; they quoted $1000 but didn't mention changing the water pump. I called another shop and they said I didn't need to do that until just under 100k (I have checked and I do have the 100K timing belt). The non-dealer shop that I spoke with sounds great, but they are turning out to be just as expensive as the dealer, if not a little more. They quoted something like $1200 when I do need to get my timing belt/water pump changed. They are charging just under $400 for my 80K tune up, which is basically an oil change plus air filter replacements (cabin, engine, fuel). My buddy in Idaho, who does all of his own TDI maintenance, thinks these prices are totally outrageous. Is this standard pricing for Seattle? Does someone know of a great TDI mechanic that is reasonably priced? I have been using one of the VW dealers as our mechanic and would like to switch.
Thanks!
Emily

Don't know their pricing structure, but the most often recommended TDI specialist is Zahn-Tech in Redmond... At least the work will be done properly... (that's especially important with regards to the timing belt change... Speaking of which... keep in mind that although the 2003's were designed with a 100,000 mile TB change interval, many of them came with the 2002-model large idler that's only rated at 80,000 miles... As well, many idler bearings don't make it the full 100,000 miles, so please pay close attention to any bearing-type noises such as cyclical swishes and swooshes - especially when the engine is cold... Of course, an inspection of the water pump weep hole (one can just about see it) for any seepage will help determine when you want that belt changed... Lastly, many people recommend changing the timing belt system based on age as well... your car's about 7 years old now... keep that in mind...)

All the best,

Yuri

PS: you're correct in insisting that the timing belt change should include the tensioner, 3 idlers, water pump, and at least 5 so-called "stretch" bolts...

I will call Zahn-Tech and see what they say tomorrow.
I do have the older engine (I guess there are two newer TDI engines since our 2003 model). The dealer said that VW recommends changing my timing belt between 90-110K, so they do it at 80. Sort of odd to do it so early. I'm also a little worried that if I do the timing belt now, I'll miss out on all the air filter changes.
So, I guess in addition to the question of where to get the work done, I'm also grappling with what to get done. Do I need to spend the $1000+ right now and get the belt changed?

Drive it down to Portland after making an appointment with Old Poopie. Done right, with all the right parts, first time. Complete Part kits from Bora are around 285 to $300, with 1.5l of new G12 coolant, plus labor. They both take cash. He can change your filters at the same time, while he's in there. Just put it in the request for work to be performed.

Yes, if you happen to find an excuse to drive to Portland, Justin Grow ("OldPoopie" here on the TDI-Club) is an outstanding mechanic and will save you a bit of money. However, I believe that he's taking a little bit of time off in the very near future for some health matters...

Yuri

I have two small kids. I have a husband in medical school. Driving to Portland for car maintenance is not an option. I will call Old Poopie (though, I can't find a phone number for him [Justin Grow?]) and see if he can recommend anyone in Seattle. Anyone know how to contact him?

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dj2b4ww_0cbj2p8dt

Here is the list of mechanics- you can click on Justin's link and send him a message. I don't see a phone number.

Please take the advice of the club and have a recommended tdi specialist do the job- and I'd have the job done now with your mileage and the 7 years time period. There are plenty of horror stories from dealers messing up the job. Timing belt jobs are usually in the $700-$800 range in Portland, but may be more expensive up there. I'm guessing oil/filters should be closer to the $200 range, but I do that stuff myself- so not sure. Good luck.

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FYI. If anyone needs a TDI mechanic in Seattle, I highly recommend Matthew at ZahnTech. He is fantastic. Great service (TDI work and customer service). They are in Redmond, but worth the drive from the city.

Glad you linked up with Matthew, he and the crew at ZahnTech are great!
Bru

A guru is a good thing. Way to go Emily!

ZahnTech are great, I also Like the guys at Fine Tunning on North Aurora.

1st Time at ZahnTech

I just took my 2003 TDI to ZahnTech and they quoted me a price north of $1k for the timing belt work. Is this high for the seattle area?

Is money an issue or convenience?

Emily said:

FYI. If anyone needs a TDI mechanic in Seattle, I highly recommend Matthew at ZahnTech. He is fantastic. Great service (TDI work and customer service). They are in Redmond, but worth the drive from the city.

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Only talked to Matt once when I had some emissions issues, but I got the vibe that he really does know what he is doing. We agreed that if you use the right procedures when doing a timing belt, checking Torsion with VCDS is always a good thing to do but mostly just verifies a job done right.

He is certainly not one of those techs that makes up answers when he doesn't know.

Actually your issue about doing the filters at the same time is really a non-issue.
Filters are not all that hard to do. Any decent back yard mechanic could do them with the right instruction.

bozonechad said:

I just took my 2003 TDI to ZahnTech and they quoted me a price north of $1k for the timing belt work. Is this high for the seattle area?

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The thing about a TDI is that if you can find ANYONE that can work on your car without FUBARing it, that is the way to go.

Did you compare Zahntech"s price to a dealer? I'll bet Matt's price are very competitive and as a plus he does know what he is doing which isn't always true of a dealer. I know of one dealer here in the NW that I won't name, that practically bragged about reusing TTY bolts.

You know, I have been there and the extra is worth it for me. Matthew really does know his stuff. He even attends GTG's on a regular basis and talks shop with everyone, owners, guru's, it doesn't matter. He does the heavy stuff for me as I don't have a lift in my garage. Like some of us, he is very detail oriented and that is what makes a difference in the long run. I feel good supporting that kind of thinking and action when it comes to my car.