It's time to replace the timing belt on my 99.5 A4 and I don't want to pay the stealership. Does anybody know of a good VW/Audi mechanic in the North County? Oceanside, Vista or Carlsbad would be ideal.

Thanks,
Brad

do you have a 1.8t or a 2.8? If it's a 1.8t, there are a few of us AW'ers who've got about 3 or 4 1.8t timing belts under our, heh, belts.

our going rate is.... lunch :-) and then a couple beers after the job is done.

shoot me an email (click on my name next to "Posted By" to get my address).

How soon are you looking to get this done?

I need to replace my water pump but have no idea what I'm doing. Is it a difficult job? Do you know how much a new pump costs? If it's something that can be done DIY, I'm more than willing to supply lunch and beers for the help. Plus, it would be cool to meet and talk with some other Audi owners. I've had my 2001 A4 1.8TQMS since September 2000 and want to keep her running as long as I can. Thanks. -JD

but of course we'll do it!

if you haven't done the TB yet, we might as well do it at the same time.

my roommate has an 01 A4 1.8tqms too and we've already done his, and another '01 too.

what color is your car? any chance you were driving through Costa Verde shopping center last night in a silver A4 with 17" celeb wheels?

that changing the water pump is supposed to be done with the timing belt. At least that's what the guys in the B5 Forum were telling me. So anyway, I got the timing belt done, paid a good chunk of change, and now 20k miles later, the same mechanic (who will remain nameless for now because I think he's a good guy) tells me that my water pump is leaking and will cost $600 (give or take, I can't remember exactly how much) to replace. So we'd be talking about paying somewhere between $1200 and $1600 total for two things that should have been done at the same time... Anyhow, if I can save myself some money on this one, still get the pump replaced, and meet and learn from some other Audi enthusiasts while I'm at it, then it's a win-win situation for me. As for my car, it's black with the 16" sport pkg wheels. If you see a black A4 w/ Cali Veteran License Plates, then that's probably me. What are your next few weekends looking like? Obviously I still have to get the parts, but I'm free every weekend between now and Nov 10th. Thanks. -JD

Lunch and a few beers for timing belt service?! That is seriously ... generous. We need more people like you guys down here in SD.

where are you? when are you looking to do it?

So does anyone know a good mechanic around Solana Beach to pamper my '01 Immola S4? All I need is a tune and an oil change.

-Brent