Timing Belt Estimate
 

I know this topic has, most likely, been beaten to death but I just wanted an opinion on an estimate for my timing belt. I have a '04 A4 1.8T. Brought the car in to the dealer for 80k servicing. Previously at 75k and 70k I brought the car in to have the timing belt checked for cracks, etc. Nothing was found. Today, I was told the timing belt looks okay but it should be replaced sooner than later. I scheduled the timing belt replacement in a few weeks and was given as estimate of $1,075 to replace the timing belt and water pump. Also, my cat. converter will be replaced as well (free, from what the dealer told me.).

My question; in your opinion is $1,075 reasonable for a dealer to charge for timing belt and water pump?? I'm located in Syracuse, NY and only know of one indy mechanic; whom I have not called yet (and am not sure if the place is reputable). Anyways, just wondering what your thoughts are. The dealer has always treated me well and seems to know what they are doing. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

shit, ill drive to syracuse from nyc to get a t.b job that cheap. The indy shop by me wants $1,350, i havent even bothered asking the dealer. i honestly dont even wanna know what they want to money wise

but otherwise in my opinion i think thats pretty cheap in comparison to what i've seen

As far as I know (and that's not usually too much), your converter is covered only to 80,000 miles by federal law; I just had this done to my wife's new beetle (George Martin?)

Yeah, that's what the dealer told me. Luckily I brought it in just under 80k. The $1,075, I should have mentioned, is a "high estimate" accoding to them. Typically its less (again that's what "they" say), but they quote a higher price just in case additional "things" (that's what they said) need to be replaced/fixed when they take care of the TBelt and WPump. I can't imagine the actual cost will be lower than their estimate...but, they seemed pretty confident the actual cost is typically lower than their estimate. Whatever, taking the plunge in couple of weeks; let you know what happens.

Timmay, I would think the price would be cheaper in NYC/Tri-state area, since there area alot more audi dealers and euro mechanics down there. Up here in 'Cuse, we only have one audi dealer; the next closet is in Ithaca and Rochester.

from what I know, have them do the water pump while they are there....

1035 is a decent estimate for a 1.8T with the rollers and water pump, the Cat should be under warranty so they'll replace it for you. I found an Indy shop to do the belt on my 3.0 for 1200 bucks, dealer wanted 1700.

How about to save $525 if you can drive down to West Haverstraw, NY. I have my 04 3.0 timing belt done at Edge Motors and pay $975 (parts and labor). For 1.8T, a complete timing belt job is $550.

It includes: timing belt, tensioner, timing belt hydraulic dampener, roller, metal impeller water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, volve cover gasket, and G12 antifreeze. Labor also included.

Here is the info:

Edge Motors
www.edge-motors.com
107 E. Railroad Ave
West Haverstraw, NY 10993
845-269-3846 (ask for Sergey)

He specialize in Audi and VW cars. BTW, he finished my timing belt job in 2.5 hours. The car runs great so far (about 5000 miles now) and no problem at all.

West Haverstraw is less than 1 hour away from NYC and you can save $$$. :)

yeah i looked on google maps im about half of an hour away from this place, so much better than 'cuse haha

Yeah, I'd go to that place in West Haverstraw, if I could...