So this question go's out to the guys that took their car to have the belt replaced..Its not that I cant to do the work,I used to service manage a Mack truck dealership so I am no stranger to the mechanics end of it,its that I own my own business and I flat out downt have the time.....I wish I had time to mow my own grass let alone do this..lol...
I was just curious what it cost you when you took yours in to be replaced..

My car is a 96 a4 2.8 5 speed manual..

 

For a local euro tuner to do it I would think it should be somewhere around $900-1k. (2.8 have a little bit more to do and are more $$ than a 1.8t) Call around see who's cheaper - its a dam easy job - just time consuming

 

Takes about 8 hours if it's your first time... you could probably shave it down to 6 or so (even less) if you were familiar with it. So whatever their labor rate is... multiplied by no more than 8 hours (else you're getting screwed) plus the cost of parts. You might want to buy the kit yourself from ecstuning.com or something and supply the parts.

 

im sure this site is for DIY rather than to point you to an expensive alternative, if you don't have the time to look round get someone else to do it with (payment) from you for services rendered

 

Find an independent mechanic. It should cost less than $800 with
a tensioner, damper pulley, timing belt, water pump, antifreeze and
front belts.

http://www.goapr.com/Audi/dealer/locator.php

http://www.giacusa.com/dealers.php?sregion=

 

Could've done it myself but my friend whos an Audi tech did it for $350. A reputable euro shop should be around $800.

 

Thanks guys..At the office today I made a call to one dealer Green Audi($1117.36), one import shop Marty's imports(1200-1400) and another that I trust more then the other import shop,Rainbow auto($865.00)...All figured in a belt,tensioner,water pump and misc stuff....
I have had Rainbow do work for me in the past and after shooting the **** with him for a bit he gave me price...I think it would have been higher but I think since I was a repeat customer he gave me a bit of a deal....Ill make the apointment with them for next week...Oh yeah,I just bought this car and after checking the history, it was done at the Audi dealer at 64k in November of 01 so I think its due.103k on the clock now..

 

I got my 1.8t done for $760 at a reputable shop. Timing belt, water pump and all the other parts that get replaced as well.

 

Earlier this year my Mechanic replaced my Timing belt and belt tensioner & he charged me about $300. Including parts.

 

I'd seriously buy the parts from ecstuning though and let them install them... that way you know they are replacing everything required. Some people might just throw on a new belt and tensioner, while leaving the pully and waterpump and thermostat... Do it all at once, and be happy.