Finally settled on letting the B5 go, time to pull the trigger on a beautiful 04 USP, 3.0 6MT w/ 85k. Purchasing at non-audi dealer and wondering if their was some way to tell if TB/waterpump/tensioner etc has even been replaced. Maybe a hidden service sticker a-la mazda style? Looks to be very well maintained but if I have to spend 800ish for parts and a weekend of labor right off the bat kind of want some money off. Thanks.

 

Well, presumably the seller would have a record of it being done; I've certainly kept all of my service receipts/records for the duration of my ownership, and I have a significant number from at least one of the previous owners as well. If the seller can't prove that it's been done, I'd at least unclip the cover and get a look at the condition of the belt. The cover is at the top of the engine toward the front. There are two spring clips holding it on; if you unclip them, it's easy to pull the cover back far enough to get a good look at the belt. If it's cracking and/or just looks really old, it probably hasn't been done; if it looks brand new, I'd be more inclined to believe the seller if they're saying it's been done recently.

Edit: duh, just realized that you're looking at a 3.0 V6, and that my advice regarding looking at the belt is for a 1.8T. Not sure if there's a good way to look at it on the 3.0 - perhaps someone else can advise regarding that. I do know that the 3.0's T-belt parts & service are even more expensive than the 1.8T's, so it's even more important to be sure whether or not it's been done.

 

Last time I checked it was 800-900 for the full kit (racket?) would be doing the labor myself but only if need be. It's being sold by a random used car dealer who probably bought it at auction. No records beyond some misc paperwork