Timing Belt Replacement opinions

[thekwaze]

I am about to sell my A3 1.5 TSFI which is approaching 5 years of age with less than 19000 miles on the clock.

I am wondering if it is worth having the timing belt replaced?

Audi U.K. say it should be replaced at 5 years, which comes as no surprise.

Other countries say nothing of the sort.

What say our trusty forum members?

I would be very gratefull for any information that might guide me regarding which way to go.

[Magnet]

Hello David, 

Have you read the dialogue on this subject on recent threads? 
Have a read and come back to us on how you feel about it. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Stevey Y]

4 hours ago, thekwaze said:

I am about to sell my A3 1.5 TSFI which is approaching 5 years of age with less than 19000 miles on the clock.

I am wondering if it is worth having the timing belt replaced?

Audi U.K. say it should be replaced at 5 years, which comes as no surprise.

Other countries say nothing of the sort.

What say our trusty forum members?

I would be very gratefull for any information that might guide me regarding which way to go.

Hi if you are selling the car how would you feel as a new owner when the belt goes bang a couple of months later, which it will, as Gareth pointed out this site is littered with stories of no milage cars that have thrown the belt at the five year marker, sold as seen with a recent cam belt change sounds far more alluring than just sold as seen, it might actually get you more money on the sale.

Steve.

[Magnet]

Hello again David, 

What part of the U.K. are you living? 
Once you read the numerous posts, you will see that the recommendation has change from what ‘Audi U.K.’ told you.

When and who exactly, told you this David? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[thekwaze]

Update: Just booked my car in for the service and cambelt replacement, to be told it has a chain belt so no need for replacement. Happy days!

[thekwaze]

Update to the update: Took it in for the service and they said a mistake was made and it does have a belt after all, not a chain. Latest rule is that belts no longer have a time limit, just 140,000 miles regardless of age...I'll get it changed anyway...

[cliffcoggin]

A wise decision. Rubber degrades even when not in use.