hello everyone

i'ma new owner of a 2001 A4 1.8T quattro with 88K. ive had it for about 6 days and today when going over the car, i opened up the timing cover to check on the belt and it has some cracks through it and looks terrible. right now the car is in owings mills, maryland at a family members house and i'm not sure where to take it to get it changed. i'm afriad to drive it back to west virginia for fear i may snap the belt and ruin the motor. i found that FCP sells the complete timing belt kit (belt, waterpump, seals, thermostat, etc) for $249 shipped. is that a good price? does anyone know any place i could take the car to get the belt changed somewhere in the baltimore area? any idea on the labor costs? i hope i didnt make a bad choice buying this car!

thanks for any help/info i really appreciate it

 

yes that is a good price. and very smart on not driving the car. i guess u just have to bite the bullet if u don't kno any reputable mechanics in that area. the changed should be very hard, just a huge PITA. most people are being charge about 600 or so for labor. and buying the car was a good choice but not finding out more about the car before u signed was a bad choice.

 

Hopefully some of the Baltimore area members can recommend a shop for you, or maybe they'd pitch in to help if you spring for beer and pizza?

 

I would most def do that. I was looking at the DIY to the timing belt change and it doesnt look like any one step is particularly hard just seems very tedious and time consuming. I think I'm capable of doing it but this is my first Audi and I'm a bit nervous to go it alone! Anyone near WV or Baltimore / DC / PA /etcand willing to lend a watchful eye during my timing belt change? I'll gladly pay for your gas/time/etc, provide good food/drinks, and hopefully good company, lol! I'm ordering the timing belt kit overnight delivery tomorrow morning from FCP in Groton, $225 shipped for everything.

I'm just parking my Audi for now, so if anyone is kind enough to help please let know or just call/txt 304.906.6610

Thanks!! Chris