Tips to keep a 1.8t in the higher miles?

[Aveoon]

Basically, I bought a 2004 1.8t quattro manual in November and I've already put 15k on it. Now it's at 125k. The car was in great shape when I bought it and it is still doing well. Although, I've done a bit of work since I got it to prevent future problems (Rear brakes, axle, flex pipe, radiator temp sensors, crank sensor, all front control arms, and tie rods). I have no problem doing this work, and I do it myself, but I want to make sure it will last. Is there anything outside of fixing a problem when it occurs, such as preventative maintenance? What are the more notorious issues that I can run into at higher miles on this car?

I'm just worried that it won't last me for a few years more and I want to be sure it will by doing the right thing early.

[old guy]

Good approach! There are a few items that will probably fail in the next year or so (if the haven't already been replaced). All are relatively straight forward DIY's. In no particular order:

• Timing belt, tensoiner, water pump, accessory belt.
• J plug (Go ahead and replace the t-stat while you are down there.)
• Rear coolant flange.
• Valve cover gasket.
• SJP

Take a look at this thread for a lot of really good info: Clicky click

[ZachB5]

Do your best to change oil at 5000 mile intervals and use VW/Audi Approved Synthetics (Typically 5w-40 and some 0w-40 for the 1.8T)

As far as preventive maintenance goes, OCI is big because the 1.8T is prone to sludge due to small sump and turbo.

Timing belt is a big deal too. When was yours done? I think most people recommend a TB job every 60k miles. The belt tensioner will give out due to wear and fail or a belt will snap. Usually this results in a damaged head, so don't slack on this one!

Those are the big two. When engine mounts get worn out they can put stress on other things connected to engine and when engine moves to much those things (Exhaust flex pipe for example) can be damaged.

Thats all I can think of. You got the control arms done, that's a good start! I need to do mine. All my front control arms are original @162k, still drives well though

Oooh almost forgot. Clean out all your PCV pipes and valves if they haven't been cleaned. They get filled with nasty oil gunk and clog up. Look for DIY's as there are plenty on here.

[Satummoo]

Great thread, subing for later, my car has 128k on it

[diztek]

Always have $500 on hand. After 100k I had to replace my fuel hose, crank sensor , power steering hose and both hoses were $ a couple hundred bucks each. At that mileage there are several parts that are at the end of its life span.

[waldo1324]

try not to look at it cross eyed. and remember to bow and bless the 4 rings.

fuel filter
check valves (US Plastics)