Cost of cambelt kit to trade?

[drpellypo]

My cambelt is due and I've phoned round a couple of VAG independents and the cheapest quote I got was £580 inc thermostat and water pump. I thought I'd ring around local trade suppliers to get kit and it came out at over £400, however, I have since found a dealer willing to sell me just the belt kit (so everything exc water pump and thermostat) for £169. Is this what someone in trade would pay, as oppose to the prices I have been quoted retail? Only reason I ask is that I was wondering if I could get the price down at Indy by supplying belt kit if it's cheaper than he can get it.

[Brycie]

Will the part definitely be fully guaranteed and under warranty if you buy it independently? And how annoying will it be if the water pump goes at a later date & you had the chance to change it with the cambelt?

That's just my thinking, but then my cambelt was done with full kit and genuine parts for £280, nowhere near the cost you've been quoted. I might also be thinking like you if it was going to be in excess of £500.

Hope you get a deal you're happy with.

[drpellypo]

The part is genuine VAG (from main dealer) so guaranteed parts and labour for two years. I will get the waterpump done at the same time as it wasn't done as recommended in Audi service schedule at last cambelt change. I've seen a few posts from people saying they got theirs done for £375 and I'm baffled how. A good friend of mine who is a former mechanic and has trade accounts, couldn't get belt kit any less than £400 mark. I've tried three VAG specialists up here and they all came back at around £550-650 mark.

I really can't afford to pay that much (have had to sell my iPhone on eBay to pay for last repair!) So far this car has had a new N75 valve, rebuilt turbo, new coolant temp sender, new MAF, and needs the valve case replacing on the gearbox (hydraulics are worn so you have to rev it to 1,600rpm to go anywhere for first couple of miles of journey.) I bought it after looking at loads and deciding they all would cost me more ultimately because of their condition, and seeing this one was mint, I stretched my budget way beyond what I was planning to spend. It's turned out to be an awful decision because I've had to sell stuff to fix problems on it and am now looking at it needing gearbox work I just can't afford. Getting such a high quote for cambelt change is just a kick in the teeth and represents nearly an entire months wage for me! If I can do anything to bring the cost down I will.

[Brycie]

It sounds like you've had a complete nightmare & I can understand you must be absolutely gutted. I'm amazed at how much you're being quoted, what engine do you have & which area do you live in?

[a8 tech]

what engine?
i normally pay £160 for 2.0 pd cambelt kits and similar for 1.9 pd cambelt kits oem parts, thats with trade discount

[adamss24]

I believe it's a v6 tdi engine, no other cambelt kits are dearer than that unless maybe the rs6 ? I suply and fit genuine full cambelt kit for £480 all in. The cambelt kit is £160 + VAT at local dealer, then there's the water pump, 2 aux. belts, 5L of antifreeze + genuine thermostat and seal. Parts cost £350 trade prices and job takes between 5-8 hours depending on how smooth it goes... That's a good price you get quoted if they replace all necessary bits ! Make shure the thermostat is replaced whilst the car is in bits as they known to fail after !

[drpellypo]

Yes it's a v6 - should have said, sorry. Looks like my quote of £530 odd Inc water pump and thermostat is actually quite good then unless he's making a profit on supply of the belt. Doesn't seem likely though at that price. Thanks for the help chaps!