Audi A3 1.8 2001 Timing belt change

[1st time buyer]

Hi Guys/Girls picking up new A3 on Monday at what mileage does the Timing belt need replacing? I've heard 60000-80000 miles! any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

[beachy]

Yeah its every 60,000 but in my opinion I would get it changed now if you have just bought a car as you can never tell when it has previously been changed!

Hope this helps

[paulA3quattro]

i agree with 'beachy' you can never go wrong by getting the timing belt replaced when you buy a fresh car

[1st time buyer]

I forgot to say I looked at the owners book its a 20v and says to be done around 115000 is this correct as its only done 63300

[1st time buyer]

I forgot to mention its a 20v engine the book says belt to be replaced at 115K is this correct regards Mark.

[paulA3quattro]

i would and i'm pretty sure others would recommend to get it changed way before it gets to that mileage, especially if the car is older than 9 years as that is the interval for age of belt

[1st time buyer]

thanks all for the advice, I will get it done well before 115k but the good thing is that I thought it needed done immediately as the car had done 63000 which means now I have some spare dosh coming upto Xmas.

[paulA3quattro]

it will be worth changing the waterpump also as they are prone to going at around the 60k mark and if poss get an aftermarket one withe a metal impeller instead of plastic, this way it won't go again

[GeorgeBoy]

Not long i bought my A3 its a X reg and has done 93000, the owner previous to me hadnt changed the timing belt (which i only found out after it went in for a service) and i was told that it could go at any time as the teeth were worn out and they also said about changing the waterpump all in all it skinned me £340 as i needed a pully tensioner as it was worn too. Great just at the right time of year! Just watch out mate better to be safe than sorry!

[paulA3quattro]

340 is about right for that job, audi recommend that you change the tensioner and idler pulleys whether they are worn or not anyway, just think that 340 is a hell of a lot cheaper than what it would cost you if the belt snapped!

[1st time buyer]

Thanks again but hopefully it should be ok at 63000miles