My TT convertible top mechanism has not been working lately - you press it to put the top all the way down, and then manually push the top down. You then press and hold it to put the top up, and manually lift the top up and over. $800 for the mechanism, $500 labor. Plus to reseal the back window to the top - $750 ("super-expensive adhesive"). I hate dealers and this is the reason why. Does anyone know a creative local mechanic within 150 miles of DC (Rockville) who would do this work cheaply or has any suggestions?

Otherwise I am taking the car to my local mechanic to see if he can find a creative solution.

Note that this is a 2001 Audi TT Quattro with only 35000 miles.

Thanks,