Hello
I have a 2000 4.2 with only 59k gentle miles on it. Last time I went to my dealer for service he said that I should change my timing belt because of age, not so much mileage. Does this seem right? Also how can I tell if it needs changing without busting the whole thing open?
thanks!

 

There is no way you need to change the timing belt in your car. I have a 2001 with 68,000 on it and I haven't changed mine. Why should age matter? It's the mileage you put on your vehicle that strains the parts. I think your just fine.

 

Dealer recommends first timing belt @ approx 155000km. if you do the math, you have a long way to go. If they are recommending it on age?%!@! How many miles a year do they think someone drives? 2000 is not that old so age shouldnt be a factor. If it was a 1986 with 59k....That would be a factor. Sounds like they are trying to fleece you? My 2000 4.2 has a 145000km and I'm not doing the timing belt for at least 10k.

 

Hey guys
that seems to be the response that I am getting from everyone. I even went and spoke to an independent mechanic that works strictly on German cars and he basically told me the same thing. Talk about a fleecing! My dealer wants $1900 to replace a timing belt! (That does not need to be replaced!)

Thanks for the heads up!

Jaxons Ride

 

Time to find a new dealer. These guys have blown it on the trust front.

 

90,000 miles and not a mile before unless you drive like an idiot. The age of the car has absolutely NOTHING to do with it. Find a new dealer.

 

Let the independent German mechanic work on your car now
that your out of warranty.

 

Interesting fact. My brother is lucky enough to have bought an RS6. Though alot of Audi dealers dont know alot about them, the ones that do tell us the belt has to be changed at 3 years or 60,000 miles. Some of the cars he was looking at had only covered 23,000 miles and where due a belt change. $2000 a go.
Special cars for wealthy people.

 

The RS6 is a VERY different animal. The maintenance schedule for that beast would surprise most people who know the C5 A6 pretty well.