Southern Ontario Mechanic Reviews Thread

993er

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 10, 2013
Location
Canada
TDI
None
Good thing you didn't take it back to the dealer to ask... they would have charged you an hour's labor for diagnosis...

Y.
I'm still under warranty. Since VWs are so ultra reliable ;) and things are slow in the shop, maybe they wanted some warranty work.
 

SB80

Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2013
Location
Mississauga, ON
TDI
2011 Jetta TDI DSG Highline
I've been reading these forums over the past few months and especially this thread in hopes of finding a good mechanic with good prices and relatively a close distance.

Living in the GTA, I took my MKVI jetta to get the brakes/rotors replaced at Motorfabrik (400/Finch in the GTA) over the weekend.

The owners have taken over the business about 4 months ago from the previous owners which I did not know about prior to going. I was happy with their work, service and price and would go back again. Trustworthy and honest.

One of the springs that hold the brake pads on one of my wheels somehow got loose and was missing (I had no idea) and they ordered one in within 30 mins.

Although they had ordered the wrong size rear rotors (as 3 sizes are compatible on my vehicle), the correct size was brought in within the hour at no additional cost even though they were slightly more expensive. Minor hiccup but it happens.

Overall, I would go back again and if you're looking for a non dealership mechanic to get your VW's serviced, worth giving them a ring.
 

dclissold

New member
Joined
Aug 9, 2016
Location
Port Perry, Ontario
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI
Brandon at DCB

Just wanted to say that I just had my cam replaced on my 06 TDI (BRM) by Brandon at DCB.
Great guy that does good work at a reasonable price.

I do most of my own work but TB and cam require tools I don't have. When I started looking for a recommended TDI mechanic, Brandon's name kept coming up so I gave him a call.
He fit me in within a couple of days and his price was excellent. He didn't seem to mind me hanging around and watching. Great guy to talk to and full of knowledge that he doesn't mind sharing.
I would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Brandon.

For everyone that is going to be negative about my post:
Yes I am a noob but I have been using this forum for years, just setup my own account last week (thought it was long over due).
I am not someone that gives out praise for fun or for rewards.
As someone who's father and brother are both mechanics, I know good work.

Like so many others have said, ultimately you have to make up your own mind about who you like/trust but my experience with Brandon at DCB was very good.
 

MateoCicoria

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2012
Location
Guelph, Ontario
TDI
2003 MkIV Jetta
I am sooooooooooo happy I Searched for this particular thread! Was going to take my 2003 ALH Jetta to EMT Tuning in Guelph but now have been saved this headache (for some shadowy reasons I don't understand but will follow!). I'll most likely go talk to Wroth as Erin is fairly close, or Precision Tuning; honestly there just seems like there was too much drama surrounding DCB when no one has said a single bad thing for Wroth or Precision! I would Really like to have go up to Finch and Langstaff area because my uncle has his body shop up there and you can get the most amazing porchetta from Vincintina meats! As well as the best jarred hot peppers, and crap I'm all out and even need some lol!

Where can I get a good deal on a tune? Looking for economy and efficient mapping and have a friend interested as well, would love to join a group buy
 

Silver02TDI

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 2, 2006
Location
Toronto, Ottawa
TDI
2012 Golf Wagon TDI Highline
Well some of the "drama surrounding DCB" I'd take with a grain of salt depending on who it comes from. For example, one of the members posting some of the more recent negative posts, is someone that used to come here often and ask members' advice. Then if he didn't like the advice, either because it was not what he thought or the fix would cost more than he hoped, he'd get upset with the members and would argue instead of listening. Got to the point where some of the more knowledgeable gurus stopped responding to his requests for advice - was a waste of their time. That is the kind of person that would easily make a bad customer, so I wouldn't be surprised if the experience turned negative for both involved.

These types of thread are one-sided - the businesses in question do not have the opportunity to make recommendations about good or bad customers!

Yes, DCB isn't the cleanest or best organized shop, but Brandon is an honest guy, and a great mechanic. So he's not the best secretary, but that is not what we go to him for. I'm now stuck looking for someone else as my car finally came off warranty, but he moved his shop up North. D'oh.
 

VDUB TECH

Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
May 8, 2007
Location
2875 old Barrie rd east Orillia
TDI
2003 Jetta wagon TDI , Audi TT TDI Q , 2013 Touareg TDI , 2006 Jetta TDI
Haha thanks everybody and Silver you can always make a trip up here you would be surprised how clean my new shop is! Your friend was just here last week! I own the building so I take much better care and now offer better pricing.
 

Ackilys

Vendor , w/Business number
Joined
Jul 1, 2012
Location
Ontario
TDI
‘09 Jetta dsg, ‘11 jetta 6spd, ‘13 passat dsg
+1, which is actually like +3, for brandon and DCB!
I called him up, got my grandmother's 2012 tdi TB done same day :D it was a huge help!
I needed a few parts for my car and brandon helped me out perfectly, new headlight, bulb, and cc clutch switch. he's even helping me figure out why CC isn't working, which we hopefully get resolved :confused: :p
Had a problem with my dads 09, started clunking a went into limp mode, took her into brandon and c'est la vie problem :) actuator number 2 putzed out the on original turbo at roughly 420k
 
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Silver02TDI

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 2, 2006
Location
Toronto, Ottawa
TDI
2012 Golf Wagon TDI Highline
Haha thanks everybody and Silver you can always make a trip up here you would be surprised how clean my new shop is! Your friend was just here last week! I own the building so I take much better care and now offer better pricing.
I might for this 90 K service still go to the stealership as I still have that $500 credit to use by January 2017, but afterwards, I might take you up on that - you just need to update your website as it is still showing the old location!
 

ymz

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 12, 2003
Location
Between Toronto & Montreal
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI Wagon, 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon
Hey!!! That old location's very useful !!!! Brandon sent me to local exhaust and windshield shops... I still use them...

Yuri.
 

ryth

Active member
Joined
Oct 16, 2016
Location
Toronto
TDI
2001 Golf
Peter's Garage

Hi folks.
New poster, new to TDI. Having some issues with misfiring and need to a second opinion. I live right downtown in Toronto.
I'm wondering if anyone has anyone experience with Peter's Garage on Robert St?
http://petersgarage.ca/
It's the one downtown location that I've heard at least some good things about, but was hoping to get further feedback.
Thanks in advance.
 

DumpInfo

Veteran Member
Joined
May 18, 2011
Location
Courtice, Ontario
TDI
2006 Golf TDI
Just wanted to know if there are any mechanics in the Whitby thru Bowmanville area? I've been dealing with Brandon for years but the commute is a little far for my liking.

Anyone have suggestions?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ryth

Active member
Joined
Oct 16, 2016
Location
Toronto
TDI
2001 Golf
Peter's Garage (College + Spadina Downtown TO) Review

Hey folks.

Had a serious issue with misfires and rough starts when starting my TDI cold. Took it to a regular mechanic and was way over-quoted on a injector replacement.

Did some research and came across Peter's Garage (http://petersgarage.ca/) downtown. Figured taking it to a VW specialist was the best bet, and the garage being located in the downtown area was a plus.

Was VERY happy with the work they did. Peter (semi-retired) and his son Vaso were communicative, extremely fair in the prices, and honest and up front. They diagnosed what was a very difficult/complicated fix that had perplex some other "regular" mechanics i had taken the car to.

If anyone needs specifics on the work they did or any other info let me know, but they seem like a great option for those of us living or working downtown in the core.
 

dgmorr

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 14, 2015
Location
Toronto
TDI
'06 Jetta BRM
Does anyone know the typical shop price to do a timing belt on a 2006 Jetta BRM? I'd go to DCB like I have in the past but now that he moved its a little bit of a mission.
 

GoFaster

Moderator at Large
Joined
Jun 16, 1999
Location
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
TDI
2006 Jetta TDI
It's getting to be a few years ago, but Total Mechanical Services in Orangeville charged somewhere near $800 to do my BRM timing belt, including the water pump and tensioner.
 

spokes

Active member
Joined
Mar 22, 2015
Location
Hamilton, ON, Canada
TDI
2006 MKIV Wagon - 5spd, 2012 Passat NMS TDI - DSG
Hi all. I need to get my timing belt replaced and live in the Hamilton area. Any recommends? I'm looking for a shop that does quality work and uses OEM parts. I'm not looking for the cheapest but someone that's fair and knows what they're doing. I've had two bad dealership experiences recently so they're no longer getting my business. I will also be doing clutch and brakes this year. I have an 06 wagon.

One place that's popped up in my search is Beech Motorworks. Any feedback on these guys?

As always, appreciate the feedback!
 

paperthin

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2013
Location
Toronto
TDI
15 A3 TDI
I searched the Ontario forum and this thread for Tazzy. I am curious to know if anyone has ever used MrTazzy located in Milton for a timing belt or other repairs.
 

paperthin

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2013
Location
Toronto
TDI
15 A3 TDI
Tried to call there a few times for an alignment and no one answered. Are you looking for a place specifically in Milton?
Potentially, I have an over due timing belt that I want to do but need to grow a pair. MrTazzy happens to be down the street from me so very convenient.
 

Mo1991

Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2017
Location
Cambridge,ON
TDI
Mk4 Jetta sports edition 5 speed
Guru in Windsor, ON

Any VW gurus in Windsor,ON. I moved here from Toronto and need a person to go for regular maintenance etc. Thanks again
 

mjhandy

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2007
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
TDI
2009 Touareg TDI
Not for me, but I've got a buddy with a 09 Passat Gasser, needs a shop that will install cooling fans in Brantford.

Google didn't show me any that say they know or specialize in VW's.

Cheers!
 

neoborn

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2008
Location
Grey County, Ontario, Canadia
TDI
MKIV TDI Golf
Sigh..

I literally could have posted this, almost word for word, said the same thing "I want 'x' fixed and if you see anything else proactively that needs fixing, let me know and we can schedule these jobs as I want the car mechanically sound!" What do I get, the job done,
and I believe done well but nothing more and there is much to fix on this car.

Why is this so difficult, I don't want to pay the stealership for their glass and leather, I want fair market, quality parts and quality work!


Just a personal experience on these guys.
No more.

Every time I ask them to do something, they do it. However, I always say, if you see something needing attention, please tell me.

2 -3 times off my head, they kept their mouth shut.
The last time, I brought in some parts, asked to have them installed.
Well, the ebrake they did does not bite. I didn't bother going back this time. I went elsewhere to see what was going on.
I go get it checked out. My rotors are shot. My bearing is shot. My tie rod is shot.
I was shown ( and heard ).
There's NO way they could have visually missed this all this doing a caliper, and ebrake cables, etc....
There is previous stuff too. However, I'm not getting into it.
However: If you do hand them a part, say you want it installed. They will do it correctly. But if you have a fuel tank leak right next to their job, they will ignore it and move along.... ( even if it hampers their install as well - as it did mine )
 

mikebike

Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2017
Location
Ferndale MI
TDI
2003 Jetta GLS 5 speed wagon
Current recommendations for pre-buy inspection in London?

I'm wondering who you'd recommend to do a pre-buy inspection in/near London. Autobahn? Leavens? Anyone else?

Thanks!
Michael
 

breakfasteatre

Veteran Member
Joined
May 5, 2008
Location
Toronto
TDI
gone: 97 b4v, 01, 00 mk4 now: 06 mk4v
Where is Brandon's shop nowadays?

His user profile says Toronto, his website says Toronto, but I heard he moved up north of Orillia?
 
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