Trip to the mechanic

[joelfolg]

Well tomorrow is the day I drop off my poor little 2001 1.8l Turbo to the mechanic. the check engine light was on for a while, but has since turned off.

I am getting whatever is wrong there, and changing the timing belt and water pump.

I have $1000. In your guys opinion, do you think this should be enough? I am told that the mechanic I am going to is very fair.

[2004NBTURBOS]

What was the estimate he quoted you?

[joelfolg]

Originally Posted by 2004NBTURBOS

What was the estimate he quoted you?

that's what tomorrow is for.

[2004NBTURBOS]

Oh, I thought you were dropping it off to get the work done. Most shops can give you a estimate over the phone. Make sure to call around to check other shops prices. Don't let them turn a wrench without an estimate.

[joelfolg]

yeah, I def will not. Only thing is I live in a small town, and he is basicly the only one that works on vw's. I got an estimate from a dealership and they told me 799. Only problem is i don't know what else is wrong with the car. That check engine light was on for probably a good 5 days.

[MichelleRoze]

There could be many reasons for the check engine light. You can go to AutoZone and have them get the code numbers for you and then look them up, or post here. I'm sure someone here knows what they are. And $799 isn't terrible for a timing belt and water pump, as long as they upgrade to a 100K mile belt, metal impeller water pump, change all pullies and tensioners and bolts, and flush the system and replace with proper coolant. I paid $740 for mine....and it wasnt' even done right.

Let us know how it goes. Might even be something simple for the check engine light.

[buckbeetle]

I shopped around for prices on my 40K service. Glad I did too. Some dealers were as high as $1,200, but in the end I found a little VW repair shop (this guy LOVES bugs) and he is doing it for $400. I really didn't want to pay someone to check my washer fluid and wiper blades!

It might be worth a little bit of a drive to find the right person at the right price.

[joelfolg]

WOW< I hope this guy is as reasonable as yours lol

I just dropped my little guy off sad. I hope I can afford to get him fixed up!

[dnyed]

Awww, I hope you get your NB back soon.

[joelfolg]

Originally Posted by dnyed

Awww, I hope you get your NB back soon.

ME TOO! lol and with maybe even a few dollars to spare would be nice!

[Smileybug]

Still no estimate?

[joelfolg]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

Still no estimate?

no, not yet. I dropped it off last night. But they were not open. I just left the car in the parking lot and they have a key drop. SO I certainly hope they call me sometime today with an estimate. AND if I can afford it, hopefully they will get to work right away!

[Smileybug]

I would have gotten an estimate before leaving my car anywhere but thats just me. I also take my car to a local shop that can give you a good estimate over the phone pretty quick. I'm also there a lot (know the guys that run it) so all I have to do is say "Hey, my car is coming up on needing x, what would that run me?" and they can tell me, at least in general, how much it would be.

Keep us posted and let us know how much they want for the work. Also, let us know what the CEL is all about. Hopefully it all goes well!