[Captain Peanut]

Hi all

Given that you're all a pretty knowledgeable bunch I thought I'd test you with a quick question.

Been looking at an Audi A3 today, it's a 2000 1.6 Sport with full leather etc and only 22k on the clock. Just spoken to the dealer and it doesn't sound like it's ever had the cam belt changed but does have a full service history.

They are asking £2995 for it but I'm not sure I can entertain paying that without the belts being done, even though the car looks mint. Does anyone know what the rough cost is for a belt & water pump change and a realistic price for the car? I found a similar model with slightly higher mileage and the belts done for the same price but it's an auto

Cheers

 

[182_Blue]

Hi all

Given that you're all a pretty knowledgeable bunch I thought I'd test you with a quick question.

Been looking at an Audi A3 today, it's a 2000 1.6 Sport with full leather etc and only 22k on the clock. Just spoken to the dealer and it doesn't sound like it's ever had the cam belt changed but does have a full service history.

They are asking £2995 for it but I'm not sure I can entertain paying that without the belts being done, even though the car looks mint. Does anyone know what the rough cost is for a belt & water pump change and a realistic price for the car? I found a similar model with slightly higher mileage and the belts done for the same price but it's an auto

Cheers

No idea on what its worth but i am sure i saw somewhere its about £600 for the belt.

 

[alan hanson]

22k thats low for said car, guessing the owner went on the recomended miles before belt change which at that rate probably would have been 2040

 

[Captain Peanut]

Thanks guys.

It is super low mileage and, from the pics I've seen, looks to be in great condition. The dealer has said that the belt looks brand new but they would say that! Just wondering whether to go and see it in person and try to beat the price down enough to cover the cost of a belt change. Just a shame it's an hours drive away.

 

[11alan111]

that seems overpriced for the year

 

[ESS]

i reckon a good independant will charge 350 / 400 quid tops to include belt / tensioner & a new pump, main dealer add 200 sovs
E

 

[Kiashuma]

I was £320 ish from what i remember for the timing belt on my old mk4 golf if that helps at all. Think it was about 2 years ago, its long gone now thank god

 

[Dode]

Its was £520 to get my belt and water pump at main dealers on my A4. Water pump is worth doing when you change the belt. Not sure on the A3 but the belt should be changed every 5 years on the A4 regardless of the mileage.

 

[SteveTDCi]

We pay £350 for the cambelt and waterpump. That's with an indi, ok that's on a 1.8 t mk1 tt but I thought the 1.6 is the 8v in the a3. However 3k would get you something much newer and if the receipts don't show a cambelt I'd question how it's been looked after and if the 22k is genuine. The last thing a dealer would want is a car with a receipt for a cambelt with 100k on the click :lol:

 

[rf860]

Not sure about the cambelt but that is mega expensive for such an old car!

 

[Captain Peanut]

Cheers all, have come to the same conclusion having thought about it a but more this afternoon.

Found a few other low mileage cars for around the same money including a nice Citroen C5 so not too upset.

 

[Summit Detailing]

Sounds like the price has been vastly inflated because of the low miles.
Realistically that car is sub £2k.

I'd be looking for a car which has average or above average mileage (based on 12k miles p.a) & has been serviced according to the manufacturers timetable.

Enjoy the hunt