those gears do move. you may not notice it, but when you install that belt, something is going to move if not done correctly. I have done my share of timing belt installs, and I am glad I marked them.

 

another rule of thumb i use... when intalling a new or old belt.. mark it back about 1 degree so when u tighten it down it will correct itself...

how is the car running? sluggish at idle or high idle?

 

You don't mention which engine you have - if you have a V6, the index cylinder is #3, not #1 as on the 1.8T. To determine TDC on the compression stroke, take out the spark plug, hold your hand over the hole, and have a buddy jog the engine. When you feel a puff of air on your hand, you've got it on the compression stroke. Once the timing covers are off, you can fine tune the position of the cam gears before removing the belt (get the brackets on the cam sprockets horizontal, with the larger holes toward the center of the engine).