Well, as some of you might have seen from the few earlier posts i made, i recently purchased a 2004 Audi A4 1.8T CVT with about 54k miles on it... I was told my an audi dealership that the timing belt is changed at around 60k miles.. for 1200 bucks, and if it breaks, it can go up to 8,000 dollars. Should i be worried at this point (say the next 2-3,000 miles)? I really don't wanna shell out another 1-2 grand for a car i just bought so any feedback would help ALOT... thanks..

 

Geez, that's a lot of miles for a '04. I'm not sure about the timing belt costs but I would highly recommend that you take it to an independent mechanic. I've heard about a million different mileage recommendations for the timing belt but 60k is the most common one I have heard of. I would definately get it replaced if you have the money. Don't let it go.

 

u should be fine for a while, some people dont change till aroung 80k.

 

yeah i thought that was a lot of miles for such a new car, but i took it to two mechanics, and they said everything was fine, except for the oil (which i changed as soon as i bought the car).

i'm very happy with it and stuff, the CVT is very smooth and fast... but I just wanna get atleast another 5-6k miles with it without spending significantly more money ($1-2k).

 

You should be fine for a while. You could probably hold off until 80k. You can always have it inspected to be sure?

 

Yeah for sure... I am sure if it has that kind of mileage, it was a lot of highway... so you're likely in good shape to go to 80K or more with that car... Doesn't audi suggest changing it at 90K miles or something?

 

the dealership, when i took it to get it checked up, said 60k... but then again they want as much money as possible as well. i talked to a few friends of mine and they said they had their timing belts changed independently for about 600 dollars... about half what audi told me... but anyway, thanks for your input evryone, i guess i can say i'm pretty darn relieved now.

 

Its probably going to be around $1k+ for the Audi from any decent shop. You might start looking for an Audi certified independent mechanic now. 60k was recommended on old cars and has just stuck since its beneficial to the shop/dealer, most modern cars you can wait til around 75k-90k, but why push it. As always, check your manual.

 

yea, i'v heard of many cases that the timing belt lasted till 90k

but i'v also heard of stories of timing belts blowing at 70k...

its really your choice, you could do it yourself...

but i defantly woldent let it go past 75k