JC Auto Repair @ C&R Motors
2026-03-05T22:12:08.725Z
I brought my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta to JC Auto to diagnose a check engine light. After looking at the car for over 24 hours, I was told that the issue was a timing chain problem and that it would likely cost $5,000–$7,000 to repair at a Volkswagen dealership because they said they could not perform that repair themselves.Because the cost was so high relative to the value of the car, they also offered to junk the vehicle for me for $300.Before making such a big decision, I asked for the written diagnostic explaining how they determined it was a timing chain issue so I could review it and potentially get a second opinion. Unfortunately, I never received a written response with those details despite asking on three separate occasions. When I picked up the car, they continued to say “timing chain issue” and “not worth fixing” without providing any documentation to support their diagnosis.I ultimately took the car to another mechanic for a second opinion. After inspecting the vehicle for about 20 minutes, they told me it was not a timing chain issue. They walked with me to my car and explained that the likely problem was a failed oil pressure sensor that was triggering a camshaft position sensor code, with an estimated repair cost of about $500. They also noted that the engine was not misfiring, it sounded healthy, and that timing chain issues on this engine typically occur closer to 120k miles — whereas my car currently has about 66k miles.I understand that diagnostics can sometimes differ between shops, but being told the car needed a $5k–$7k repair and was essentially not worth fixing — when another mechanic quickly ruled that out — was concerning. I am very glad I sought a second opinion before making a decision about the vehicle.As a young woman, it can be difficult to find a mechanic you feel comfortable trusting, and based on this experience I would strongly encourage others to seek a second opinion before making major repair or vehicle disposal decisions.