It's just not worth fixing.

$1,800 to replace the water pump (and timing belt)

Sounds like my clutch is going out again - 10 hours of labor

KBB is only $4K

Might see what parts i can sell online.

 

$1800 for a TB + goodies sound too expensive. A Blauparts kit should be under $400 and a good indie shop should charge 6 hours labor. Total around $1k. You've got a lot in the vehicle, so unless you've beat the crap out of it it sounds fixable.

 

Unless it is a beater all round, it should be worth fixing. The prices seem a bit high though. Where are you located?

 

i'm in memphis right now. no real good indie shops.

 

Too bad you aren't closer to Charlotte, I hear good things about shops there. Here in Durham I believe there are a few good ones too, but the only one I use is mine.

 

yeah I could recommend a good, honest and cheap shop in Charlotte if you're willing to tavel
I would fix it, you got $ in it unless the car is in bad overal shape

 

i've decided to take the forum advice and buy a blueparts kit and do it myself...i'm somewhat nervous.

 

Rent the tool kit. They do return your deposit. It comes with instructions.

here's a link. http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng63.shtml

 

i found a shop that will do everything including the valve gasket (which i've been suffering with for a while) for $500. I just have to order the parts for them. i don't think i can turn this down...considering i'm driving my wife's Jaguar until this is fixed (i hate the jag).

 

$500 is about right for labor - you'll spend another $300 for parts --- it's a lot less than the $1800 the dealer quotes.