Opinions needed on cam belt vs mileage dilemna

[Andy_Sline]

Hey Peoples in Audi land.

I'll try and keep this short as possible, I'm after peoples opinions on a little quandry I am having at the minute.
Short back story, picked up a high mileage (183k) 56 plate A4 2.0 TDi 170 S Line last summer as a second car/runaround for the wife. Its in really good condition for age and mileage but the downside was no history or warranty, but got it at a good price so I took a gamble. Now so far it has been a good car only needing a window regulator and a few minor bits and bobs. That good infact the wife ended up with the newer Mazda 6 2.5 sport and I tend to steal the Audi

Now this is the main point, the cam belt. I have no idea when it was changed last! But knowing its gonna cost thick end of 400 notes . I've got to make the decision on the value of the car and how much more life it has left in against against the gamble of the belt life and expense. I think you guys will know what I mean and I'm looking for opinion on what you would do in the same position , hoping to tap into your wealth of knowledge and experience.

I await your answers and thank you in advance of any advice/input given

 

[martin1984]

well it all depneds on on how long you want to keep the car going or just drive it till it dies have you looked at the belt to see if it worn much as like you said you have no history might no be in a bad shape

 

[Andy_Sline]

Thanks for the reply Martin, I would like to keep the car going as long as its a financially viable option.

I didnt think it would be something you could just inspect without removal or dismantling. The garage I spoke to said changing the belt was quite an involving job and never even brought up the possibility of an inspection (dont suppose they would).

 

[martin1984]

Thanks for the reply Martin, I would like to keep the car going as long as its a financially viable option.

I didnt think it would be something you could just inspect without removal or dismantling. The garage I spoke to said changing the belt was quite an involving job and never even brought up the possibility of an inspection (dont suppose they would).

It is a big job to change but to see the belt if you remove the cover its two parts as its a rubber belt if it badly worn then within reason you would see this also feel for cracks ect. then i guess if it cost you around £400 and you get another 2/3 years out of it great also i have noticed when people are getting problems with the b7 now most seem to break as get way more than selling as whole car somthing to bear in mind depending on what you paid for it.

 

[Mike B]

I had a B5 once that had history but no record of belt done.Took it to my local specialist who had a qiuck look and he said looked fairly new .Good enough for me

 

[LawrenceH]

If you have no history I reckon there's a fairly good chance it's original from 2006. I'd check condition at the very least.

 

[Joeyenz]

Had the same dilemma with my 2.0tdi 140, turned out the last person to change had written the miles on the bottom of the plastic belt cover, if nothing is on it at all I would have thought more signs pointing to the original being on there.

 

[Mario]

Take off the plastic cover and have a look, it's held on with 3 or 4 clips.