Just got a new to me 2001 a4...made me an offer I couldnt refuse :P

Anyway, after reading through the forums I see the suggestion of getting the timing belt done. Is there any way to tell if this has been done already? I'm not so mechanically inclined so its something I would have have someone else do if it needs to be...and therefore something I dont want to have to pay for if it doesnt need it

And if its something that you all suggest I should just do just in case, any ballpark figures on the potential cost of getting that done?

 

There is no "real" way to know if it has been done or not by looking at it. A lot of our timing belts still look new at 90k and it's still the original belt. Best thing to do, if your not sure change it. One of the most important things on our cars is the timing belt and your looking at around $800 to $1400 on the change. Audi dealers are making a note of changing them at 60k miles now. I know this may not be for most and some wait until the 80 mark. See if you can do a carfax on the vin and if it was serviced at a dealer call them up and ask if the timing belt was done.

 

General rule of thumb with Audi/VW:

If you don't know 110% that the T-Belt has been done and the car has over 60K miles on the clock, replace it with the rollers, tensioner, and water pump.

$400 in parts is a lot cheaper than replacing or rebuilding the head and valvetrain. If you don't do it yourself, expect service bills of about $1000 or so. But it's still cheaper than a new head.