2003 Audi TT with 88k miles. No timing belt changed yet, would you buy it?

[NeilM30]

Hey all, I'm probably going to look at a 2003 1.8t fwd Audi TT tomorro with 88,000 miles. The person is asking just under $6K for it but said they are open to any offer. Anyways, they said they, "changed water stuff but not the timing belt." I'm assuming this means it was recommended and they declined, and again assuming it was recommended because it hadn't been done yet.

I know that these engines are notorious for needing the belt done before the originally recommended 100k interval.

I'm hoping he has the receipts for the work that's been done to the "water stuff" and I can just call the shop and get more info. In fairness to the person, I think there is a language barrier and not that they just don't care about the car or know that little.

Im pretty certain I could do the swap myself of the timing belt, but I'd probably not be able to get to it asap. Anyone have any input? I love the looks of the TT, and it's pretty practical for what it is but I also feel like it's a big premium to pay compared to a similar aged GTI just for looks and some small tweaks...

[Converted2VW]

If you buy it, change the timing belt ASAP. I mean that, don't even drive it for 100-200 miles unless you are going to a shop or to your garage to get the belt replaced.
Many of these belts failed before 40k.

If it's a Quattro, it's a different experience than a GTI by far.

good luck!

[lyleswk]

I would be careful buying a car that doesn't have much maintenance history. And someone that says "water stuff" wouldn't instill any confidence that they know what they are talking about. The other big thing on the 1.8T's is oil changes more frequently that recommended (5K or so) with full synthetic. When I bought mine, I insisted on records which showed the belt had been done. You may pay a bit of a premium, but you know what you are getting.

If you buy it, definitely change the belt immediately.

[kTTang]

Yeah, what everyone else said. If the car is still running, it's not too late... but I certainly wouldn't chance it. If you do buy it, I would just drive it straight to the shop to drop off, or if you want to tackle it on your own, take it home and park it until you can get to it. There is a pretty ridiculous TB/WP write-up out there that many of us have used, including myself (if you need). Sweet mileage, though! Good luck!

[kTTang]

If it's a Quattro, it's a different experience than a GTI by far.

Sounds like it's a 180 FWD... so I imagine it would just be very similar if not identical to GTI? I don't know much about specs between the two; have only ever been a TT guy!