VW Mechanic
 

I own a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L and my alternator is gone. VW wanted to charge me 700 for it, but I don't have that much money being a student. Does anyone know any good mechanics in Vancouver/Richmond that specialize in VW and can do it for cheap? I don't have the part so it would need to be supplied. TIA!!

Brighouse Auto Electric in Richmond is a good start. That or Frank Ho's Auto Service on Clark Drive.

If you can, pull out the alternator yourself (shouldn't be too hard) and bring it to either shop. They should rebuild it for no more than $200 IIRC. Your VW should use a normal Bosch alternator so any shop can work on it. You should be able to rebuild it as opposed to replacing it. No need to go specifically to the dealerships. Try the RS sponsors.

Edmonds Alternators in Burnaby

not sure what they are like now, but back when i went to them in 2005-2008 they were great

http://www.vmautohaus.com/contact.php

dubberz.com

PG Performance - I know they're not in Vancouver / Richmond... but Surrey isn't that much farther (right off the freeway @ 152nd - and they're around on Saturdays!) I've taken my 1.8T to them for a while now and they are excellent to deal with.

Shift Autosport

and

Hansig.

Both in Burnaby, both specialize in VW/Audi.

pretty hard to beat vmautohaus for oem vw stuff.

hansig is good, but stupid expensive. don't even bother calling them. you're wasting your time if money is any concern at all.

you don't need a vw specific mechanic. any mechanic can do this. just don't go to a dealer and you're fine. someone you know has a mechanic that handles standard maintenance.

are you good with a wrench?

i cant visualize the 2.0 motor right now but is the alternator top mounted? it might be very simple to do.

If you want to save money, then yank out your alternator. Send it out to be rebuilt for like $100.

and put it back in.

Get your buddies to help you out.

This is how you save $$.

Best of luck.

ouch. i just looked and these alternators are like $485 list. What are they made of gold?

you might as well try to go find a used one, unless they are PRONE to failures.

Isn't there a VW wrecking yard in poco.

again, best of luck.

Beetle Spa in North Vancouver, they're labor isnt high and their prices are good. Just a small shop specializing in VW and Audi.

Ingo from IBMotors does all my maintenance. South end of Oak Street in Vancouver.

ibmotors.ca