01 nb 1.9 tdi with 125,000 looking for mechanic in Houston

[atticstud]

Just bought my college bound daughter a nb that is loaded, pw, pl, sunroof, a/c and automatic tranny. Looking for a good diesel mechanic in the Houston area or northside, Spring, The Woodlands or Conroe

Daughter thinks mom and dad are the greatest. She has been wanting a nb since she was old enough to drive.

[DZLBUG]

Unfortunately I do not know of any good mechanics in Houston. Too bad you aren't in Dallas, Austin or San Antonio.

Check out the regional forums at Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community and see if there are any decent shops in your area and also to learn more about potential issues with the car.

First off, without a definite maintenance history, you are going to want to have the timing belt and ALL associated components replaced immediately by a competent TDI mechanic. Even if you have to drive a long distance, it is imperative that this is done and done right. Many mechanics (including VW dealers) treat them like any other timing belt and just "mark and pray." That works fine on a gas engine...it does not work on a TDI which requires special tools.

Secondly, it would be a good idea to have the transmission fluid drained and refilled. This requires VCDS, the correct VW fluid and to follow the correct procedure so that it gets filled to the correct level since there is no dipstick. This should be done every 30k-40k if you want to have any hope of the transmission lasting.

Unfortunately this is not a very good transmission. Many fail between 100k and 150k miles. They are very expensive to replace and repair/rebuild is generally not advisable or cost-effective due to the cost and limited availability of hard parts and transmission shops who know much about them. A 5 speed manual is definitely a much better way to go. My automatic has been ready to kick the bucket since 120k. It finally gave up the ghost at 160k but 10k of that was very sketchy with no reverse gear. It will be back on the road this weekend with a newly installed 5 speed.

Good luck with it.

[Fl_bug]

Check out the link in my signature, kindly made BY the TDI club actually

[MichelleRoze]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

Unfortunately I do not know of any good mechanics in Houston. Too bad you aren't in Dallas, Austin or San Antonio.

Check out the regional forums at Fred's TDI Page. TDIClub.com. VW TDI Enthusiast Community and see if there are any decent shops in your area and also to learn more about potential issues with the car.

First off, without a definite maintenance history, you are going to want to have the timing belt and ALL associated components replaced immediately by a competent TDI mechanic. Even if you have to drive a long distance, it is imperative that this is done and done right. Many mechanics (including VW dealers) treat them like any other timing belt and just "mark and pray." That works fine on a gas engine...it does not work on a TDI which requires special tools.

Secondly, it would be a good idea to have the transmission fluid drained and refilled. This requires VCDS, the correct VW fluid and to follow the correct procedure so that it gets filled to the correct level since there is no dipstick. This should be done every 30k-40k if you want to have any hope of the transmission lasting.

Unfortunately this is not a very good transmission. Many fail between 100k and 150k miles. They are very expensive to replace and repair/rebuild is generally not advisable or cost-effective due to the cost and limited availability of hard parts and transmission shops who know much about them. A 5 speed manual is definitely a much better way to go. My automatic has been ready to kick the bucket since 120k. It finally gave up the ghost at 160k but 10k of that was very sketchy with no reverse gear. It will be back on the road this weekend with a newly installed 5 speed.

Good luck with it.

x2

My 02 TDI just lost it's automatic at 150k. I didn't let it get as bad as DZLBUGS but I can't afford to not have reverse and Atlanta traffic is dangerous and I don't need a faulty transmission to add on top of it. When it's suggested every 30k-40k to change the transmission fluid...that's not a suggestion...that's a requirement. And even that won't guarantee much. But it's worth a shot. If you can, teach her to drive a stick before her automatic dies, that way she won't have to be cheuffered around like I was for two weeks. Talk about learning the hard way! Besides, the 5spd is much more beefy than the automatic. AND the mpg jumps! I went from 36-38 to 42-44 mostly city driving.

Sign up on TDIclub.com and read, read, read...READ. That will be your bible right there. I promise you! Have fun.