the lawsuit seems to only cover 00-03 tt models, does that mean 04-05 are fixed of this issue, or do i have to go to 06-present models, i really want a tt but the timing belt issue is scary and annoying, i dont want to have to replace my belt, water pump, tensioner, and what ever else is involved with it every 3-4 years, just so i avoid engine damage and being stranded, when i hear audi i think a more expensive car, so i figure more reliable, so anyway i was looking at a 02 model, but im no longer interested in it because of this issue, typically you change your belt maybe twice in a cars lifetime (depending on how you drive it), also is there any aftermarket parts that would eliminate this problem, or increase usage out of it before you need to replace again, i want the quattro 6 speed version, do the newer ones come with those

 

ALL Mark I 1.8 TTs (2000-06) have same requirements for TB/WP/etc. Problem is across all 1.8s in the audi/dub line. None have timing chains. Get a 3.2 (chain) and you'll not have TB issues. They have their own set of problems. ;-)

But honestly, most car manufacturers use timing belts rather than chains so it's not really an issue. When you find the one you want, just verify it's been done at approx 60/5. If not, and you still buy it, just get it replaced asap....Maybe even arrange for the repair ahead of time with a local indy shop and have the current owner drive it to shop and conclude the sale business there. that way, if it blows-up, he'll still be the owner when it happens. Then, offer him $3K-4K less as it'll take at least that much to fix the damage.

Mine was still original at 9 yrs/67K miles when I bought it. i drove it home on a monday (10 miles), parked it, drove it to a shop on wednesday (15 miles). Budget $500-1000 for the work (dependent on who does it and what other issues they find when the open the hood.) Peace of mind: priceless.

FWIW, my belt was in good shape, tensioner was not, and several waterpump blades were broken.

cheers.

 

well the 02 i was looking at, the guy said he just replaced the tb and water pump, its got 80k miles, now how long will that last me till i need a new one, im not concerned if i have to replace it once, its just the every 3-4 years thing thats ridiculous

 

depends on mileage, your ability to react, and luck. 60K or 5 yrs is the safe limit. some go more, but it's a crap shoot. If it fails while driving, you have about 2 nano-seconds to shut it down before your pistons crash into the head. If you're lucky and have ninja-reflects, you can go longer.

 

should i just replace it in 5 years no matter what, or is there visible signs that it needs replaced. are there any aftermarket parts to eliminate or lessen this issue, other people have said every 30k miles, 60k is what i should go by right

 

yes, replace at 5 yrs no matter what. age is also an issue.

when I replace my next in 2014, it will only have about 10K miles on it.

I'm not aware of any aftermarket parts that make this go away. would be nice...I've been a TTer since 02 and if there was, i'm sure i'd have seen it.

replacement parts are not expensive and there is at least one (BlueTTop's) awesomely great diy available so folks are doing there own. Not mine, but I'll be using it in 2014.





cheers.

 

damn how are you only going to have 10k miles, is it not a daily driver, because thats what i would make mine, do you suggest not doing that, so theres no visible signs that the belt needs replaced, you just kinda gotta do it anyway

 

Oops, wrong link above.

Cam / Timing Belt replacement album | Blue TTop | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy.

yea. not a daily driver. But, industry standard is time and/or mileage..not just audi but everyone. even audi's original guidline was time/mileage.

there may be some visible signs of wear...fraying, cracking. but, many failed well before the signs appeared and that was why audi had to change there guidlines. they were breaking with no indication which lead to the law suit.

 

now lets say for a min. that i get this 02 with 80k miles, and my belt breaks at like 90k and damages my engine, will audi pay for my engine to be fixed because it broke before the 105k, the guy said he just replaced the belt and water pump so i doubt it would break so soon, also ive been lookin into the 3.2 models because they use a chain instead, but there so hard to find, should i go for one of those instead or do they have other problems aswell, not the typical stuff like a full on issue like this timing belt stuff, thanks again you are being very helpful lol, i want this car very badly, i just dont want to have it and break down every few months either, like i said it will be a daily driver for me

 

no, audi only pays if: belt is original AND then inspect AND they say it is Ok, and then it breaks before 105K. If it was just replaced (ask for documentation) then it should not break. Honestly, i think you're over reacting on the TB issue. Like anything, if maintained properly, (5/60) it's not an issue.

I've not heard any issues with the 3.2 engine. but, I recall there were some issues with the early DSGs on the 3.2, so do more research there.

cheers.