90k Service? Please Help

[apdesign]

Hi all, I a new Audi owner and in need of advice. Need your opinion, I'm at 90K miles now and realized that the car never had the timing belt changed or major service done to it. Called Audi in Pasadena and they wanted $1600 to do the job. That's a little too much for me and I called a local mechanic which can do it for $600. Should I be worry or will they be able to do the same job as the dealer...since the dealer overheads are too high is that why they charge that much. I have extend warranty...does that do any good or how does that work? Thanks.

[cheesemax3]

Hey ap,

First, u r way past the recommended mileage for changing the timing belt (60K). You should get it done right away because if it breaks, you are in for a pretty hefty repair bill. Second, $600 sounds pretty low. Make sure this includes changing the water pump as well (normally done at same time as timing belt). You may also want to verify the mechanic has done this kind of job before. I used an independant Audi/Porsche specialist and he did a great job at about 40% less than the dealer.

Good luck.

[apdesign]

Thanks for the reply Cheesemax 3.
The previous owner bought extended warranty for this car...how does that work? Will they cover the cost of the doing 90K service which includes the timing belt/water pump etc. Why didn't the previous owner had the timing belt changed at 60K when it was still under warranty or do they not cover that? $600 for timing belt including all the materials and labor...does that sound scary. Thanks

[RickT]

timing belt is not covered in the extended warrenty.... its audis way of ripping you off like always!!

[cheesemax3]

Timing belt is not included with Audi standard or extended warranty. In fairness though, I haven't seen any other manufacturer that includes it either.
$600 sounds pretty cheap for a job like this. If you are confident in the mechanics ability (references?) then go for it because you'll probably not find it cheaper anywhere else.

Cheers.

[apdesign]

Finally, I feel like a heavy weight taken off my shoulder. I took it into a private mechanic shop and was actually wasn't too sure about if they can do it or not, but i took that risk and so far the car ran beautiful. I can believe how nice the TT is than an M3. I kinda starting to like it more than my Mercede CL. Anyways it end up costing me $727 including a Mobile 1 oil change.