I attempted to make a purchase from a forum member and has some difficulty. We exchanged PM's only but I felt since I made the decision to not purchase his kit I would respond on the ad he posted rather than PM so that others may see my response. Maybe I'm being too cautious, or I might just be too old, I dont' know. Ad thread is here:

https://www.audiforums.com/m_438720/tm.htm

Can anybody suggest the best timing belt kit to buy for a 99 A4 1.8T? Price is very much a concern since I am trying to do a clutch too....

 

If I were in that situation, and things went down as described....I think I would respond the same way.

 

+1...well said.
I bought my last timing belt kit from ECS because they just seem like the best option. I would just choose a basic kit that includes a tensioner and other neccesary goodies. Don't bother with all of the lightweight crap IMO.

 

I had the same kind of thing happen where a member was selling a GIAC chipped ecu - they offered it to me and then I saw where they had posted it on another wanted ad - but that one was for a 2.8 not a 1.8t - I asked the guy what it was and for and never got a response.

 

timing belt kits are VIN specific (split during model years.)
your best bet is to call mike @ pure motorsports (or email him)and he will take it from there.I went through similarissues and he was very helpful.anyone who tries to sell you a TB kit w/o confirming your VIN is just trying to unload it.

 

You are perfectlywithin your rights to respond to the ad like that. You can't just give someone a blanket trust just because they are a forum member. Its good that you explained yourself in a mature manner as well - it helps everyone else recognize the issues with the seller.