Should I Replace The Cam/Timing Belt on My VW or Sell The Car?

lordra on 31/05/2023 - 23:26
Last edited 02/06/2023 - 01:02 by 2 other users

So I have this car that has just done 97,000kms. Everything runs smoothly. However, I understand that it needs its cam/timing belt replaced near the 100k (kms) mark. Dealer quotes $1,250 $1,500 (including the water pump). Other quotes are from $1,110 to to $1,200 (excluding the water pump). They've said that the "water pump is made of plastic and is very brittle. If it breaks during replacement, we will need a new one for $200, pushing the cost up a bit more.

I have just put on new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (XL) for $800. If I change the belt, I'd like to hold on to her for at least 2 more years. I have $7k saved to upgrade if I need to.

Question to the community is this:
Do I pay this big cost and soldier on with the Golf?
Or sell and get something else?

For people with VW experience, are there any curveballs waiting for me down the road?

Car deets:
2015 Volkswagen Golf 110 Tdi Highline 6 Sp Auto Direct Shift MY15, 2.0L Diesel Turbo 4, 6 Sp Auto Direct Shift DSG,
Model: 5G146Y/15

Edit - Added updated stealership costs to OP

Poll Options expired

  • 25
    Keep the Golf for another 2 years, then sell
  • 12
    Keep the Golf for another 5 years, then sell
  • 5
    Sell now, before the timing/cam belt is changed
  • 3
    Other
Automotive Car Volkswagen

Comments

  • Hybroid on 31/05/2023 - 23:34
    +1

    What can you get for +$7k is the missing information here.

    For interest, here's the full process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRaN3GOa1fs

    • lordra on 31/05/2023 - 23:45

      I suppose $20k for the golf for a total of $27k.

      That's such a good video. I have all the tools to do the job, but no knowledge or guts. Not gonna risk this one, thanks for the link, very informative.

      • Hybroid on 01/06/2023 - 00:10
        +1

        So then next step is:-

        • What can you reasonably get for $27k that suits your needs/wants?

        • Are you happy with that potential choice over current car or feels like a downgrade?

        • Are you open to the hassle and bother of selling and buying right now?

        • lordra on 02/06/2023 - 01:04

          3rd Point - No. Rent just went up 30% so reeling from that. I suppose the last thing I need now is to risk a lemon. That then means 1 will take a back seat & 2 will wait for 1.

          Such insightful questions, thanks mate. Makes me wanna just keep calm and carry on.

  • thatonethere on 31/05/2023 - 23:40

    If you can cope with the diesel price perhaps run it into the ground then go lectric (esp if you paid for tyres). Just have to suck up the timing belt and get held to ransom on the pump - although on some other VW schedules they just replace the pump at the same time as the belt.

    Don't not replace it - as it's terribly fatal

    For VW it's a magic 8 ball as to what can go wrong like all euro.

    • lordra on 31/05/2023 - 23:50

      Currently, I get 14kmpl on the Golf.

      magic 8 ball as to what can go wrong

      This is what I was hoping someone would have a magic crystal glass ball (inflation) to match so that I can tell what to expect next! šŸ˜…

  • sumyungguy on 01/06/2023 - 00:22
    +2

    Volkswagen started fitting 'lifetime' timing belts with a recommended replacement interval of 80,000 miles or 130,000km. But each country seems to produce their own service manuals. VW Australia typically advises 100,000km which creates a welcome revenue stream for their service departments. If your engine is an EA288 I reckon you should do some more research online.

    • mskeggs on 01/06/2023 - 07:36
      +5

      In a nutshell, that 130,000km ā€œlifetimeā€ is the problem with euro cars.
      Everything is engineered to last that long, so a 150,000km euro is facing miyriad issues, while a 150km Toyota is just stretching its legs.

  • Oofy Doofy on 01/06/2023 - 01:24
    +1

    Service the transmission every 20k, not 60k (logbook) or any other nonsense they claim (usually one service at 60k and then leave it to die). If you aren't as pedantic as me, every 30k is probably alright (if you're averaging 15k pa, then that'll be every second service I guess).

    Keep it until it's about 10 years old or reached 160k on the odo, then offload. Just MO.

    As long as it's not nickel and dime'ing you to frustration, keep it maintained and on the road.

    You don't need to upgrade. And you don't need to spend $200 a tyre (fitted and balanced etc). XL tyres with high speed ratings are just going to make your ride more harsh and give you a false sense of security.

    All of the above is just my opinion. Otherwise, do whatever you want.

    • lordra on 01/06/2023 - 10:43

      They're servicing the DSG gearbox today, $720 for the service.
      Do you service it yourself?
      Thanks, I am aiming for the 10 year mark as well, given new tires, the DSG service and now this timing belt change.

      As long as it's not nickel and dime'ing you to frustration, keep it maintained and on the road.

      Absolutely no costs out of pocket between services. It runs flawlessly.

      It's a bit too late re the tyres, I already have them, so for next time! Thanks for the opinion!

      • Oofy Doofy on 01/06/2023 - 11:05

        $720 to service the gearbox?(oh, the whole service cost in total, gotcha) Don't take it to the stealership, take it to an independent who knows euro vehicles or at least knows their stuff. My DCT box was only $150 to service most recently.

        EDIT: I realise you meant the total cost with the timing belt plus transmission etc.

        It's probably a few hundred more than I'd say was reasonable, but that could very well be just because it's a VW dealer service.

        • lordra on 02/06/2023 - 01:27

          Nope, $720 for just the DSG. I'm guessing I got pwned by the stealership?

          I've been asking around for a half-decent Euro independant but no human has had any personal recommendations. It was $400 for the standard service, the oil filter, oil, pollen filter, that stuff. Then $720 on top of it all for labour and parts for the DSG. 400 for parts, 320 for labour.

          • tp0 on 02/06/2023 - 08:49
            +1

            @lordra: The gearbox oil is criminally expensive. Itā€™s about $250 alone for the VW stuff.

            Thankfully thereā€™s other companies that make the stuff and a full DSG service kit is about 150-200. Itā€™s not a complex job so all up youā€™re looking at around $400 at an independent mechanic.

            • lordra on 03/06/2023 - 22:08

              @tp0: Thanks for that. I learnt something new today. A bit late, but still, something good.

              Finding a decent mech to do that job in Sydney has been hard. For next time, for sure, thanks mate. On the plus side, the gears feel super slick now (could be a mental thing).

              Costs:

              SEALING WASHER $6
              6 Litres VWG052182A61L DSG OIL PER Litre $34.15 (Total $204.90)
              VW5Q0127177 FILTERELEM $119
              VWN91084501 OIL FILTER O RING $14.00
              VW02E305051C OIL FILTER $63.00
              ~$407
              Then labour $248.

  • Hackney on 01/06/2023 - 06:22
    +2

    Stay with the car.As you said keep it for another two years.As far as the timing belt goes, just get it done.$1,200 is not that bad.We have a Ford Fiesta Ecoboost 1.0 as a runaround.The wet belt(timing) are notoriously bad @ letting go(massive issues still to this day in the UK.) They have now gone to a chain set up in these little engines.Ford ā€˜recommendsā€™ changing the belt @ 240,000kms OR ten years(if the engine can actually get there without the belt snapping!) Cost: $1,800 or thereabouts,most independent workshops will not touch them as they need specific tools to do the work.Not worth their investment & time.

  • payless69 on 01/06/2023 - 07:05
    +2

    Look into a large mirror, raise your right arm and say: Panzerwagen!
    Fun aside, they are worth doing.

  • oscargamer on 01/06/2023 - 09:12
    +4

    Worth doing.

    ALWAYS replace the water pump at the same time as well as the idler/s and tensioner/s.

    • Franky23 on 01/06/2023 - 09:31
      -1

      This ^^ Replacing the water pump is mandatory for the timing belt service. It comes in one kit.

      You've been quoted a fair price from the dealer. I would keep the car with those kms if everything is working fine. VAG cars get a bad wrap but if you service them to schedule I find them no different to other cars - I've owned 3 now. One Skoda went to 300k with no issues.

      It was those dodgy 7spd dry DSG gearboxes that gave them a bad wrap..oh and dieselgate

      • lordra on 01/06/2023 - 12:23
        +1

        Thanks mate, I will keep the car. Good response from the community. This one is serviced to schedule. I'm glad I don't have to be afraid of the gearbox and am happy to know that there will not be any more curveballs in the future.

  • tp0 on 01/06/2023 - 09:55

    It's a nice car and generally reliable, especially the engine. Do the timing belt and opt for the water pump change. There's a reasonable chance it won't make it to the next timing belt change and you'll thank yourself when you're not up for another $800 or so of labour to pull it out again.

    • lordra on 02/06/2023 - 01:05

      Noted, thanks!

  • pegaxs on 01/06/2023 - 09:58
    +4

    VW?? I would keep the cam belt, but replace the car…

    • lordra on 01/06/2023 - 12:23

      šŸ¤£

  • Drakesy on 01/06/2023 - 11:30

    Golfs tend to fail/get expensive at around the 10 year mark so you've got plenty of life in it.

    Just keep it for another couple of years.

  • bobbified on 01/06/2023 - 11:51
    +2

    There's nothing wrong with it and it's just maintenance. Why would you want to sell it? Whatever other car you get to replace it is still going to require maintenance.

    Plus, if you buy another second hand car around the $25K mark, the stamp duty alone you'll need to pay is not far off the price to replace the belt. And you have no guarantees that car will be problem-free.

    • lordra on 01/06/2023 - 12:26

      Very good points.

      Why would you want to sell it?

      I've read things about VWs being lemons after a certain point, and high ongoing costs. Hence wanted the community's thoughts on what to do next. Glad to hear that there are no red flags and will hang on to this for a couple more years.

      • TheManInDemand on 01/06/2023 - 20:58
        +1

        Thatā€™s because itā€™s true. After 100,000kms they have so many problems. Speaking from experience working at a dealership.
        Everyone telling you to keep the car has no idea and will not be helping you pay off the surprise bills
        Get rid of it and get a Corolla if you want reliability.
        Youā€™ve probably made money on it with Covid causing car prices to go up too
        Best of luck

        • tp0 on 01/06/2023 - 21:14

          From your experience you can tell OP specifically what is going to fail in their vehicle, right?

        • lordra on 02/06/2023 - 01:05

          Anything in specific for this model that you can forsee?

  • Jakkee on 01/06/2023 - 12:23
    +1

    My opinion is to keep for as long as you need it for or just run it into the ground.
    I own a Golf 2013 MY14 103TSI Highline.
    Just about to hit 300,000km - I use it for commuting to and from work and absolutely abuse it most days on the highway. Iā€™ve found a local euro mechanic who does my services quite cheap (compared to the dealership). Iā€™m planning on running it into the ground.
    I recently had the engine misfire but was due to a dirty spark plug. No real major issues another than the mechatronics getting replaced under warranty at 75,000km and at 125,000km needed to get the dual clutch replaced (was somehow under warranty too - probably just a goodwill).

    • lordra on 01/06/2023 - 12:29

      Will it last that long? I don't hold on to cars for more than 5 years just to avoid high maintenance costs. So I will hold onto it for another 2-3 years and then sell.

      The trim that I have on this car is not found on top end $80k utes, so I'm really spoiled for driver comforts. It's so fun to drive, very responsive and stress-free.

      Is your local euro mech in Sydney by any chance?

      • Jakkee on 01/06/2023 - 13:07
        +2

        I canā€™t see why it wouldnā€™t last as long as my Golf.
        My services are probably cheaper now, I think I was paying $400 or so every service at the start but closer to $300 now.
        Obviously there have been big ticket services like the timing belt, water pump, battery, brakes, etc but thatā€™s just apart of owning a car haha

        Stamp duty alone is probably the cost of a timing belt and water pump change

        My Mechanic is in Wollongong and used to work at the wollongong VW dealership so he knows his stuff

  • brendanm on 01/06/2023 - 14:32
    +1

    2.0 TDI with wet clutch DSG is a very reliable and fuel efficient unit unit. You 100% want to replace the water pump with the timing belt.

    • lordra on 01/06/2023 - 15:16

      Thanks mate I'll make sure they do it when the time comes.

      • Gunnar on 01/06/2023 - 16:18
        +1

        Iā€™ll second that advice. Do the water pump when youā€™re doing the belt. If you do them separately youā€™ll be up for similar labour costs to get the water pump down, negating the $200 difference you spend now.

        Based on the tyres you just put on I would take a guess you look after your car. Iā€™d keep it for longer if I were you

        • lordra on 02/06/2023 - 01:29
          +1

          Yes sir, she is my pride and joy. Yep, alright then, I'll hang on to her for a bit longer then.

  • skillet on 03/06/2023 - 14:39
    +2

    If it's VW genuine water pump it won't be only $200. Maybe $200 is just the labour. The plastic pump is more like $800 with Aussie Tax. There are third party alloy shell pump, I upgraded mine, peace of mind.

    They've said that the "water pump is made of plastic and is very brittle. If it breaks during replacement, we will need a new one for $200, pushing the cost up a bit more.

    • lordra on 03/06/2023 - 22:05
      +2

      So you have the same car/engine?
      If you link me the alloy shell, I'll have a squizz.

      They (the stealership) definitely quoted me $200ish for the pump. $1500 ballpark labour included.

      • skillet on 04/06/2023 - 12:16
        +1

        I have a petrol not diesel so do your own research. I know there are lots of different alloy replacement pumps for VW. You can try ecstuning for a start then head to Ali for cheaper alternative. There are a lot of VW in China. Plenty of alloy replacement parts there for things like plastic sump, plastic timing cover, and plastic inlet manifold.

  • Bilby s on 04/06/2023 - 09:15
    +1

    I had my timing belt done on my golf recently. Paid $1400 including the water pump. Wonā€™t need to worry about it for another 7-10 years. If you do sell it, the buyer is most likely offset the cost of the work anyway. If itā€™s a good car, get it done and keep it.

    • lordra on 04/06/2023 - 20:46

      Where did you get it done?

  • Bilby s on 05/06/2023 - 08:14
    +1

    Audvolks in Clayton

    • lordra on 06/06/2023 - 15:45

      Ah dammit, you're in VIC, I'm in NSW. Never mind then.

  • Bilby s on 07/06/2023 - 09:03
    +1

    Look up vw specialist Sydney forums to see who is being recommended by vw owners.

    • lordra on 09/06/2023 - 01:25

      Thanks mate, will do.

  • lordra on 09/06/2023 - 11:48

    @Bilby s
    I can't find any forum called vw specialist Sydney or any variation of that.
    Did you mean whirlpool?

  • Bilby s on 10/06/2023 - 09:12

    Just google vw specialists Sydney forums and then check out the online reviews. Look for the vw owners club in Sydney and have a look also.

  • exshi on 10/06/2023 - 09:47

    I would recommend Pacortech depending on where you're located in NSW.

    • lordra on 11/06/2023 - 21:15

      an hour away, in no traffic, a bit too far for me. They look good though!

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