Wild Rose Motors

Leonard is the man!
Don’t be fooled, the shop doesn’t look like much, seeing it made me a bit nervous about trusting them with my business. But presentation is not what your paying for here. These guys are knowledgeable and do good work. My car runs better now than ever before! What a difference! — here’s my story
I consider myself an amateur mechanic and I’ve Always fixed my own car problems, this time around I didn’t have the time to fix it myself. I did a lot of research about the problem I was having (oil pump failure to put it simply) and called around. No one I talked to sounded knowledgable about my car (tdi motors to be specific) much less it’s intricacies. I found a list of recommended vw shops on
I called Leonard and he knew exactly what I was dealing with, we discussed at length the possible damages, worst case scenario, best case scenario, and a rough cost.
It’s a very labor intensive job what needed to be done (pulling the front end, partially hoisting the motor, and partially opening the bottom of the engine). With that in mind I was shocked when he called me 6 days later saying it’s ready for pick up. I was lucky that it ended up being one of the best case scenarios we talked about. Still cost me $ 2600. All in all a fair price if you ask me. Since he was already that deep in the engine I had him do the timing belt (a costly endeavor if done by its self) and a couple extra little things (MAF sensor, serpentine belt, and a couple pulleys in the serpentine& timing loops). Dealer would have cost me much much more. They also would have probably replaced the problem parts with standard issue parts. Leonard installed a «delete kit» (a common upgrade) which eliminates the parts prone to failure, making it an issue that will likely never surface again.
If I have any issues that come up in the next couple days that may be related to poor work and contradict my accolades I will be sure to write a follow up review.
Best of luck.

You can trust what they say about the work that needs to be done. And when they do the work, you can’t beat the price and how quick they do it! Simply the best! Highly recommended!

I used to go to another mechanic who said they worked on TDIs. I had them replace my timing belt. After their third attempt to properly time my car failed I started searching around and found wild rose. They were amazing! They recommended starting from the beginning with new parts, I am so glad we did! They found so many issues with brand new parts being damaged and installed improperly it saved me so much time and money I would have lost if I wanted them to keep the parts from the other place. My car has never ran so well. Thank you!

Do not engage in any business with Wild Rose Motors or Leonard.
Leonard is a con artist and he will take your every penny for his worthless work. I took my 2003 VW Golf TDI fuel injection to his shop and paid him $ 300.00 to get it fix. He asked for $ 300 and I gave him $ 300, I just wanted the injection fixed. About a week later, Leonard called me and told me my injection was ready. 1 hour and 30 minutes later and 60 miles later I got to pick up my injection. I had the injection installed in the car, but now the car was running way worst. I called Leonard and he told me to take the car to his shop. I towed the TDI to Whittier and Leonard said he just had to fine-​tune the injection. Six hours later he called me and asked to return to his shop. He immediately told the engine was bad and he could get me a new engine installed. Remember, the TDI had injection issues, now he wants to sell me a new TDI engine. Leonard refused to reimburse me and claimed the injection was now good, and insisted I needed a new engine.
I contacted Diesel Injection Fuel Service in Portland, Oregon and told them about my issue. They informed me that Leonard does not know and cannot perform any legit injection related work, as he does not have the right equipment or training. Leonard usually ships the injections to Oregon to get them fixed and Leonard is just a middle person making money. Anyhow, I FedEx my injection to Oregon and got it back within a week. I installed the injection back on my TDI and the engine started right up.
Leonard is a scumbag and a liar, so do not put any more money in his pockets.

I took my 2002 TDI Jetta for diagnostic test for some electrical issues. I was told the service charge was going to be $ 110. When Leonard couldn’t find the problem, I wasn’t charged at all. Wow what a service. He was honest and told me that electrical problems were not their speciality. I would definitely take my TDI back here.

Mr. Harview is a TDI mechanics’ mechanic. He’s thoughtful and tells you the truth even when it may hurt his business. His service cost are very reasonable and is passionate about VW TDI’s. I would send all my friends to him that own a TDI, but make an appt first.

Leonard Harview is the best TDI mechanic in the southwest. Don’t ask him to change your oil or glow plugs unless you want to experience the most sinister death ray glare this side of the Rio Grande.
Leonard does timing belt changes/​more advanced stuff only. No electrical snafus either, he hates them. This guy saved me over 2k already and even helped me write a letter to my last mechanic «Mo» (see my other review).
My impression is that he’s very distant and cold, definitely a right wing conservative. Met him 6x but he always pretends like its the first time?! I don’t go here because I like him, I go here because he’s flat out THE BEST TDI MECHANIC, bar none.

Leonard recently sold me a 1998 Jetta TDI… the car needed a little cosmetic work so he gave me a very fair price. Leonard had already replaced the timing belt which seems to be his standard practice with the cars he sells as well as completely going through the car… replacing hoses oil etc. After driving the car a bit I had a couple mechanical glitches… Leonard spent a a week working on the car tracking down one stubborn issue. When I came to pick up the car I asked how much it would be & he told me nothing. This man stands behind what he sells… I feel as though I got a great car which comes with a trusted mechanic. You would be a fool not to buy a TDI from Leonard & nobody will work on my cars but him in the future.

I took my 2000 Jetta TDI from Santa Monica to Whittier based on the incredible Unilocal reviews. My car would be really rough starting after sitting overnight – not mission critical, but I thought it would be nice to get it fixed. Long story short, after more than 3 weeks, 3 round trips to Whittier (for a total of 10 hours of drive time for me and a friend to drive me home), several calls (all initiated by me, because he never once called to let me know the car was finished or to give an update, even after 5 days), an incident of diesel shooting out of my car and streaming down the street, and $ 2000 later, my car now starts WORSE than it did before!
I recognize that it’s not Leonard’s fault that I live 1.5+ hours away, and so three round trips to his shop cost me 10 hours. But when I suggested he might want to offer something in exchange for all this hassle over 3 weeks, he swore at me and accused me of trying to extort free services out of him!
At one point, the car was running about 75% better, but then after the fuel line broke (just after he worked on the fuel system), it was never the same. He treated me so poorly, I don’t dare go back again to ask him to figure out why the car is now worse than when I brought it in.
He seems like he’s a very knowledgable mechanic, but this was a terrible experience — never again!

Unbelievable mechanic that hands down knows the most about VW TDI’s and is very personable. Our family has purchased three from him – and we live relatively next to a VW dealership – the 60 mile drive is worth it. I will buy my next one from him as well.

If you are looking into buying a tdi. It is well worth any extra cost to purchase it through. Leonard. He is very honest. No sales game. I am a former ASE certified master auto technician. I know a lot about diesel. But the TDI is very specific. It is much different than any other diesel. They have a few and I mean few issues, But if inspected by someone who is TDI specific. They can be caught and repaired before you get the car. Buying one out of state can be risky because they need to be inspected or certain questions and reservations made before you ship them. I purchased my 06 Jetta from Leonord just to insure we were getting a good car. Before we took possession of the car he replaced the timing belt water pump and all other belts. Just because it was time. Just figure its a couple of thousand dollars to insure you wont need to spend 10,000 and a lot of hassle to get your car repaired. Look up the flywheel issue. That one alone will cost you more than you save. IF you know what it sounds like when its bad. FYI it is so worth it to have a Jetta TDI. Pleasure to drive and save thousands on fuel each year.
Another thought. If you are not saving as much fuel as you can you are contributing to the Taliban. Think about it countries we purchase fuel from contribute to these terrorist organizations. Saving fuel lowers the demand and will lower the fuel prices therefore less money for the terrorists. Just start going around telling SUV owners that don’t really need them that they contribute to Terrorists and see what they Say LOL.

Bought my 2001 Golf TDI from Leonard.
He has relocated to Whittier, CA.

We bought our 2001 Golf TDI from Leonard, and everything else that has been said in these reviews is dead on.
In fact, once, Leonard was on vacation, and I needed some work done. So I called around town looking for another TDI expert. Every single place that I called said, «You know, there is a guy in Fullerton, Leonard, you should call him.» Leonard is the guy that OTHER mechanics call, he is even the goto guy for dealerships smart enough to realize they don’t know crap about TDIs. He has a new garage now too, it’s nice! Plus, he can chip your car for more spppppeeeeeed!
Go to Leonard to buy, stay with Leonard for repairs. I’d give him 100 stars if it was possible.

Leonard Harviex has been around the VW TDI circuit for quite a while now — he’s known as a guru on TDI forums like
and very well respected. Being fairly new to the diesel market and the proud new owner of a 2000 Golf TDI, I thought I would see what the fuss was all about.
First of all, his laidback manner was a huge (and welcomed) change from the others. As Matt says, he not only fixes them, he sells them as well. To be frank, you’ll be hard pressed to find used TDI’s in better condition in all of California — believe me — I looked (for 2 months, 2 hours/​day)!!! When I test drove the car, he handed me the keys, gave me instructions on how to get to the freeway (and back) and sent us on our way… Talk about trust!
In terms of service, he literally walks you through (under, to be exact) various issues with the car, things that need to be changed immeadiately, things that you should keep and eye on and things you can upgrade. There were a few times he actually showed me broken/​damaged/​cracked pieces of piping before tossing them — while explaining what could have went wrong. He fixed my broken key fob (my request), the speaker wire the VW Dealer FORGOT to plug back in (my request) and even the tension of the driver side door (had no idea it was too tight…). I obviously didn’t purchase my car from Wild Rose (and suffered 2 hours of anxiety as he looked at my car), but Leonard was gracious and full of helpful advice. All this for a little over $ 100. Not bad considering the price of VW Parts!
It is a bit of a bummer that he’s so far away, but in this case, its worth driving the extra bit to know your car is taken care of by someone who is obviously passionate about these cars and knows his sh*t.
Also. Glamerous, the location is not. Its a bit hidden and not much to look at but if you’re looking for quality work at reasonable prices and a great reputation, go to Wild Rose. If you want a spiffy waiting area with free coffee, questionable quality (work) and suits with fake smiles milling around, go to the dealer.
I’m not biased. Really. ;)

Wild Rose Motors, Ltd. is located in Fullerton, CA and is one of the first and only Volkswagen TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) turbo diesel specific licensed vehicle dealer and full service VW TDI specific service facility in North America.
I bought my 2006 Jetta TDI from Wild Rose Motors. The turbo failed, but the owner took care of me and made things right. Great owner — straight shooter. Bummer he’s so far away. I have AAA so I get my car towed there for service.
They sell and service VW TDI type cars.