cheap fix?

Question

My 99 Audi A4 quattro 2.8 has 88K miles on it and I need to change the timing belt soon. The dealer is asking $1080 including parts and labor. Is there a cheaper way to fix this without spending a fourtune? It is to my knowlage the cheapest quote I got in my town. HELP!

I should have guessed that people would respond by asking what I expected. It's not that I didn't see this coming and yes I do have the money but I was looking to save as much as possible with out sacrificing quality. I wouldn't be able to afford this vehicle or have the money I do by spending the most on every purchase. It is always wise to shop around and get the best deal. So thank you everyone that gave me guff about not expecting to spend that kind of money on my car. I'm not a moron.

Answer 1

Hi, this price is not bad in my area where the labor rate is US $160 an hour. If the total charge includes replacing timing belt, tensioner roller, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, coolant, serpentine belt with OEM parts, It is good price.
If the price is just for timing belt, it is high.
I recommend replacing all above items at once.

Answer 2

When you buy ANY luxury car, no matter how old, you basically make the commitment to service the car at an Audi dealer. Taking it to the local mom and pop mechanic will void your warrenty, if you still have any, and worse, could damage your car. So when you bring it in to the dealer and say "uhhh my car isnt working" they can figure it out and realize you had the car serviced by a non-audi mechanic, and, as a result, they will probably refuse you service. You bought an Audi, and you'll want to pay to keep it running like an Audi. If you want cheap, go buy a Ford or Toyota.

Answer 3

I have a 99 VW passat, same engine and style like audi but vw. well i got my timing belt done a few months ago done by a specialty shop for only 900 dollars. i think everyone should get their european cars maitenenced at specialty shops because its usually way cheaper than dealers, and they try to screw with you... I bought my car at this dealer, and i kinda regret because i had problems with the car at first, and they always wanted to screw with me because im a young girl which they think i dont know anything which is not true... well now that my car has been fixed after them i havent taken it back there every again... I only go to specialty shops or do the **** my own.

Answer 4

definitly replace everything that price is right for the dealer but it can be done cheaper i had mine done for less than 500 with everything but the water pump (my car is higher mileage and i had it done the 2nd time at 140K and didn't think the water pump was necessary ) you are pushing it for mileage most enthusiast recommend timing belts at 70K miles if it breaks you don't want to see the bill. I would look for a good independent mechanic with some German car experience and see what they can do it for you should be able to get it done for about 700-800.

Answer 5

I can't understand people who buy foreign autos and then complain when parts and repairs are so high. They have you by the gonads when the parts have to come from them. Henry Ford was reputed to have said that he would 'give' his cars away if he could be the 'only' person to supply replacement parts. Try repairs to Beemers sometime. Give me good ole American iron, with competition for replacement parts, any time.

Answer 6

What are you going to do when you have to winterize?what about tune-ups and ignition parts?Your going to have to do this job yourself for $100 and replace the crankshaft seal when you do it.Why did you buy it if you dont have the money even before Christmas

Answer 7

Then no other option. These cars are expensive and running them is even more so.

Answer 8

it's an audi, what do you expect?

hyundai prices? kia prices....

you obviously have the money, and it goes with the territory...