I need advise.. Just purchased a 2000 1.8t which has 60 k on it . I am questioning whether or not I should get the timing belt and tensioners done since I have no service records of it ever being changed. I took the car to a mechanic and he says the Timing belt looks good but read numerous things about timing belt related problems. Since it is a 2000 the service
may have been done since last owner was from 2006 and 40k.

What would you do?

 

I would get it done as soon as possible. The alternative is it snapping then your in big trouble. Belts can look good and normal but the rubber can dry out and snap at any time. The tensioner also had problems failing if I recall. Those will always look normal until they go. It may seem expensive to get it done but it is cheaper than the alternative.

 

It's likely almost 10 years old or double the recommended time to change. Just change it. You can't really tell just by looking at the belt either.

 

Thanks for the replies


Getting the belt changed asap , now I'm scared to even drive it but as it's my daily driver I do not really have a choice!

any signs that anything major is going to break that I should watch out for? I'm really paranoid now that I'm gonna be driving down the road one day and my engine is just gonna **** the bed!

 

Not really any signs. Get everything done while the tt is in the shop. Halidex (awd fluid/filter, this is important), coolant, trans fluid are all good too. A few dollars here well pay off overall. Trust me.

Get get the TB done asap. its not worth the risk.

Sounds like a lot of money, concidering the car already runs good.... but its worth it, no question.