Just went and put a deposit down on a 2006 A4 2.0t manual Been 3 and a half years since my B5 A4 was totaled, and I've been driving a 2000 Passat since. Missing my quattro.

Couple of questions though as I've been out of the game for a bit! It definitely needs a timing belt. The ultimate kit from ECS is $237 which seems like a fine price, and I have a mechanic friend who can do the work for me for a great price as well. Is there any better kits or should that be fine?

Also, at 117k, what should I be wary of? I'll be swapping in snow tires on steelies immediately, as well as swapping my wheels out because I had B7 A4 wheels on my passat with new tires. It needs an alignment and a coolant flush for sure but those are small deals. He mentioned control arm bushings as well, which are to be expected. Anything else?

All answers appreciated, I know theres a bunch of these dumb kinds of threads but having the information consolidated and presented as I need it is priceless

Read the sticky for more information. The one item I saw you didn't mention is the cam follower. Have it changed with the timing belt.

Thanks will do. Trying to be much more proactive in maintenance this time around.

I was just told by the dealership that I need new control arm bushings. They quoted me $921. That seems rather insane to me, so I told them. no thanks.

It may need a new Diverter Valve. In 2006, they were still using the older rubber diaphragm version which splits and drains all your boost out. No hurry, though. It will throw an obvious code (underboost) and won't do any harm to limp along while you wait for the part to come in. I believe ECS sells the newest OEM revision (which is piston-driven).

The stickies will tell you a lot. Enjoy the ride and welcome back.

Thanks! I'll probably go unitronics in summer where ill grab a better DV. Unless I can use the VF engineering 1.8t DV I have in my Passat for the 2.0?

And yeah I'll do the control arms myself at some point haha