Q5 engine out rough cost

[Dornfield]

Hi all, I'm a new user, but I have read the moderator comment about "post and run". I don't intend to be that guy: if I have posted in the wrong place, my apologies. I will try to keep track of any replies you are good enough to make even if my question is re-routed by mods to another forum.

My Q5 (S Line, 2 litre diesel, 66 plate) (102,000 miles) went into limp mode last week, and the local garage identified an oil pressure issue. But it is not in limp-mode constantly. Driven conservatively, I can still get up to 65mph. 

Replacement of the oil pressure sensor, oil filter and draining the old (but recently serviced!!) oil did not eliminate the issue.  The local garage is not an Audi main dealer, but competent. They say the likely next port of call is an engine-out belt replacement , sump scrub and oil replacement.  Likely the rubber belt bathed in oil that they say degrades over time.  With 100,000 miles on the clock, this seems a reasonable next port of call. But rather alarmingly, they say this job is too big (possibly too technical) for them and may cost "a lot".  They actually suggested getting rid of the car, but to mind a 100,000 mile diesel engine housed in a good condition 66 plate should not be scrap!

Can anyone give me some local knowledge of what "a lot" likely means, and whether this is something that should only be trusted to a main dealership? Or is it really beyond economical repair?  Clearly, I'll speak to Audi, but would appreciate some lived experience.

Thanks in advance.

[Magnet]

Good morning and welcome Brian,

Sorry to hear of your issue.

It seems - quite fairly - that your trusted local garage is not best equipped to sort out this issue, and may even be suggesting work beyond requirement, obviously not to get you to spend money with them, since they have told you they ideally don’t want to try to sort it.

If it were mine:- 

I would be doing a search for a localish trusted independent VAG specialist and seeking advice on what needs doing ( and not asking how much it will cost to remove the engine). I would want to be talking with the principal there, and outlining the initial issue, and what has been done so far, and see what their recommendation is from here. Obviously you will have studied their reviews before engaging with them, and taking advice from local VAG owners if possible. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on Brian.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 
p.s. I was going to suggest placing another post asking for recommendation for independents in your area, but you state your location as a vague U.K., so difficult. 
Worth posting however, and specifying your area. 

[Dornfield]

Thank you for the advice, Gareth. I'm in Oxfordshire. Specifically midway between Oxford and Banbury, if that helps anyone recommend a local VAG independent within reasonable distance.

[cliffcoggin]

Brian.

I honestly do not believe the diagnosis from your garage. To change an engine because of limp mode is ludicrous, your mechanic is clearly clutching at straws. I have my suspicions about the cause of your limp mode, but I'll keep quiet until you have had the car tested by somebody competant.

Finding an independant VAG garage is easy enough with an internet search.

[Magnet]

Thanks Brian,

Worth creating another post requesting recommendations. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.