Local Diesel Mechanic Testimonies

We have compiled a partial list of mechanics in the triangle area who members of the coop recommend. Please email us with a few words about your favorite mechanic and we’ll include it on this page.

AutoMotion
103 Brewer Ln, Carrboro
(919) 967-9821

I have had good experiences with AutoMotion for scheduled maintenance and a diagnostics/repair on my ‘02 Golf TDI. I have found the owner, Ronnie, very reasonable and fair. I think there are several mechanics there who work on diesels, usually it has been Hilton who’s worked on mine. Initially he was a bit skeptical of biodiesel especially running anything over B50, though he was open-minded, and it’s gone fine. They are at 103 Brewer Lane, just off Franklin Street, near the car wash.
~Wendy

If you live in Durham this might be further out of your way than some other good mechanics–anyway I am happy to recommend the folks at Automotion in Carrboro. They have done scheduled maintenance and oil changes on my ‘03 Golf TDI and I have been very happy with everyone I have dealt with there, especially owner Ronnie and Hilton, the mechanic who has done most of the work on my car. I think I am the first customer they have had who uses biodiesel but they’ve been a lot more supportive than the average VW dealer. ~Troy Good folks there that know their TDI’s.
~Anonymous

Automotive Solutions
2809 White Cross Rd, Chapel Hill

We can highly recommend Tioga at Automotive Solutions, out 54 by White Cross. We don’t have his # handy. He is honest, knowledgeable, and low key. Great detective work straightening out a ‘98 Passat (gas).
~Anonymous

Passport Motors
600 Franklin St, Chapel Hill
(919) 929-3131

I really like the folks at Passport. I have a gas jetta that they do all my tool/time intensive repairs on. I am in the market for a diesel Jetta and I intend to stay with Passport when I convert to the light side. John or Jim work on mine, both do diesel work. Jim owns the business, Trish is the business manager, all local folks. She sets up the appointments. I have worked with them for a year and a half now, I think they are good money for value. I needed a water pump about 8 months ago and they put it in parts and all for $400, which was $200 less than a shop in Winston-Salem I used for years and $700 less than those B$%#%$# at Southern States Volkswagen of Durham wanted.
~Tom

Autobahn Automotive
Atlantic Blvd, Raleigh

Have used Robert at Autobahn for YEARS.
~Anonymous

Import Auto Werks – Chris Dale (eastern NC) (919) 871-5850
1823 E Millbrook Rd # 106
Raleigh, NC 27609

-Recommended by the TDI Club list
German Imports
6385 Irish Potato Road
Kannapolis, NC
704-932-8211

-Recommended by the TDI Club list
Cary Motor Co.
531 E. Chatham St, Cary
(919) 465-1776

He’s been working on Mercedes Benz’s since the mid 80’s, probably longer. I think they charge $70-$80/hr, not sure if that’s too expensive.
I’m sure he’ll figure out whats wrong with your car in no time. He was just working on a red TDI 2 weeks ago when I saw him last. He was servicing my car before my annual 4th of July trip to Maine.
He and the company he keeps are part of a solid cohort of Durham guys. A couple of whom I have known since the mid-90’s. I havent known Larry but a year now but wow is his group a smart crew, and no pretense. The other guy who owns the garage, Lonnie Long has a different location in Durham where they do all the other carsómostly imports (other than German and British) and domestics.
Those guys have worked on 1 Rabbit diesel I had, 1 Subaru station wagon, 4 Merecedes, 1 Pontiac, 1 MGB, and I’ve referred them countless times. And I’ve never had a bad report. Just call him and talk to him (Paul and Michael work there tooóthey specialize in Audi, VW, etc.). Nobody will do a thing you don’t authorize.
~John

Dan
Durham, NC
(919) 544-6174
dagsautorepair@aol.com
Taken the biofuels class.

Luc SuËr
Durham, NC
(919) 949-8908
elsbettnc@earthlink.net
Our Elsbett installer.