How come timing belts are cheap like $35.00 but I am being told they are gonna cost 1k?

 

The belt is cheap. But you need to change the tensioner and usually the idler too, and might as well change the water pump and thermostat while you are in there. total parts, about 300 dollars at ECS tuning.

Then there is about 500 dollars of labour as you essentially have to remove the front of the car and radiator to access the belt.

 

would it be cheaper to just buy all those parts i need online and have them installed?

 

im just trying to make it as cheap as possible for maintnance because my mom thinks audi can be a money pit

 

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O.E.M. updated quality timing belt
Timing belt tensioner idler
Water pump w/gasket
Front lower crank seal
2ltrs Pentosin special high performance anti-phosphate/amine anti-freeze.
'We Care!' installation guidelines.
This select kit also includes Updated tensioning damper.
$289.00 + FREE BELT KIT ($45.85 Retail Value) with the purchase of our Comprehensive
Audi A4 1.8T or VW Passat 1.8T timing belt kit!
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are these all the parts that i should replace for a maintnance free audi?

 

when you do the timing belt and have it all apart it is in your best interest to replace and maintain what you can...rather then ripping it all apart 3 month later if your water pump or something else would start leaking...BUT for sure timing belt, idler and tensioner

 

289 for these parts is a real good deal in my opinion with all new belts and coolant included as well

 

would it be smart to just install all the new parts in the kit or would that just make it too expensive to do all at once rather than when they need replacing?

 

it wouldn't be so much cost....but time...i dont' know if you do you work yourself. but if you do the timing belt...which is atleast 5-6 hours labor. and then your water pump starts leaking...theres another 4-5 hours labor, best to get it all in one swing. Unless you don't mind having it apart twice