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cost of timing belt replacement?

128K views 38 replies 30 participants last post by  tr6g 
#1 ·
I am trying to brace myself for having the timing belt changed on my 2000 1.8T. I will take it to the dealer for the work. How deep into my wallet will I be digging?
 
#2 ·
i did it myself it cost me 284.xx$ plus shipping and tax to order the complete kit .took me 4 hours to do that and other things. i saved 600$ canadian by doing this. the dealer quoted me 920$ plus tax for all the parts and labour.
 
#4 ·
It was $747 for me plus $85 the other belts. I could have had it done for $250 less if I had taken a vacation day and driven an hour from the Minneapolis area.

I had 10% taken off the $747 timing belt change from the www.vw.com coupons, but I had to push it. At first they said this isn't 'scheduled maintenance' since it wasn't 105,000 miles. The manager of the billing area made an "exception" for me.

Mine was done at 68,000 miles and looked fine, but I hear the tensioner can go at any time. I've seen too many postings here to take the risk.

Do you have warranty? If not, you could go to a trusted independent and save some $.
 
#6 ·
my car is almost at 60k and I want to get mine done as well. I have a 2001.5. I stil have my 100k drivetrain warranty and I know its not *required* to replace it yet, but I just can't be without a car when it snaps later. Also, I don't want them to find my chip later and try to voicd the warranty. So, I want to get my timing belt replaced by the dealer so I have it documented and under warranty. Or, can I get an independent shop to do it that specilaized in vw's? It might be cheaper, but I am more conerned with the dealer doing it for warranty reasons.

Kevin
 
#7 ·
Ganseg-
its funny your dealer used the "not regular maintenance" line on you. I know the manual indicates the scheduled replacement is at 105, but my dealer suggested it be changed at 60. If they seem to recommend 60, I cant imagine they should argue about the coupon b/c its not "regular maintenance" but that was my dealer recommending the change at 60k...I will surely not wait until 105, but 60 seemed to me awful early...I have read threads of belts snapping at some low miles, but I would imagine that would be covered under the 100k warranty...I am at 68,000, btw.
 
#9 ·
Cali - No question you should get it replaced asap by a reliable mechanic. If it fails, you will instantly ruin your engine.

No kidding.
 
#10 ·
YIKES! CALI... you better get that done NOW! I think the scheduled time for your timing belt is 105k. Get your timing belt, tensioner, etc all replaced. Your waterpump too.


Kevin
 
#11 ·
I have since had my Timing Belt/tensioner replaced at 80k, about 2 years ago. My car celebrated its 5th year- this past march. The Timing Belt was replaced when it snapped- although VW repaired and replaced necessary parts- under the 100k Powerterrain warranty. My car now has reached 130k. Although it has only been 50k that i've added after the original timing belt went, I'm now thinking of getting the timing belt inspected and/or replaced soon before it hits 140k...

How much do i expect to spend if i were to take it to VW for replacement?
Or should i just purchase the parts from Vw and have an independent shop that specializes in German marques to do the job?

I'm in the Simi Valley/Sanfernando/ThousandOaks area, for those of you familiar of Southern California. I've toyed w/ the idea of spending that amount of money for a down on a new Passat--but i really dont want to go through the whole bit of new car payment again- yet anyways.

My goals this year is Timingbelt replaced, Rear Brakes replaced, New Paint job (the front is just so ugly now w/ nicks and scratches).


Thanks for your feedback(s)


e
 
#13 ·
ganseg said:
Cali - No question you should get it replaced asap by a reliable mechanic. If it fails, you will instantly ruin your engine.

No kidding.
Also remember to get your water pump replaced at the same time - it's cheaper to get it done at the same time since everything gets taken apart and easy to access the water pump as well. ( This will save major $$ down the road.)
 
#14 ·
I got a quote of $750+tax recently from Bay Ridge Volkswagen (Brooklyn, NY). This is just for the Belt replacement (not includes the water pumps).

I am planning to get a nice kit from the group buy and then do it myself. There are no special tools required to do the Passat's timing belt (unlike my previous car - Acura Legend).
 
#15 ·
I would also recommend that you replace the thermostat while you are at it. Just like the waterpump, it makes sense to deal with it while you are getting the belt changed. It cost me $750 at an independent to get all the belts, the waterpump and thermostat replaced. I got it done at 80K and I was happy with the deal.
 
#17 ·
I paid an independent VW specialist $600 including parts to do mine since I was the second owner and didn't have the warranty to worry about at 60k miles. I know that next time I'll just do it myself but if you need someone else to do it and you don't have a warranty issue - get the parts online and bring it to an independent shop where the labor rate is lower. You'll save as much as 25%
 
#20 ·
My 80k tune-up:

-Oil change (synthetic)
-tire rotation
-water pump
-timing belt
-vacuum hoses
-brake flush
-stronger hose clamps
-diagnostic (obd plug in)

Total: 1345 @ an independent mechanic. At first I thought that quote was excessive. But then I called the local dealership out here in Alexandria, Va and got a quote of $1300 just for the timing belt and water pump parts and labor. Anyone still think I'm getting jipped though?
 
#21 ·
Do you have warranty? If not, you could go to a trusted independent and save some $.
Wait, if I change my belt through an independant dealer it voids the warantee? How is that diff from doing it myself?

(i have an extended warrantee)
 
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