Take my car to MEXICO for Timing belt change?

[null]

I know it soon will be time to change timing belt in my A4 B7, I know its not a cheap job here, and was thinking what if i combine quick weekend getaway with timing belt change. Go to Cabo, or Tijuana for like a weekend, and have local shop do the timing belt change, I'm sure it would be A Lot cheaper to do in Mexico? Am I wrong? Did anybody try it? I don't speak much spanish, but figure it shouldn't be too bad? What are your thoughts?

[slineb7]

Risky business, especially since you don't speak much Spanish. Easy to get crossed, plus the issue of the grade of parts being used. I'd buck up and spend the dough stateside. Plenty of reputable shops that would be willing to work with you


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[Bronc0]

Hate to say it, but that sounds like the start of a disaster story. I wouldn't risk it


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[thatdudenesto]

The fact that you don't speak Spanish would make it easy for them to screw you over. Unless it's a recommended shop by someone you know I would not go. What your location?


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[null]

i live in SF, but would drive down to San Diego or LA first, then cross into Mexico.. I found some shop on Facebook that specializes in VW - vws are super common and popular in Mexico, using google translate I talked to them and they quoted me like 1200 pesos? I plan to order a timing belt kit from Amazon that uses legit parts from ContiTech.
It's not time yet to do timing belt yet, and don't drive that often, but does anybody know a good shop near by to the border? or done any car work in Mexico in general?

[EmmanueleDesign]

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. Besides the factor of going to Mexico, if there is an issue with the work it would end up costing much more in the long run. Not to mention it would be hard to have an issue resolved by a shop in another country.

[slineb7]

That exchange rate yields about $80 or so for the labor. Sketchy item #1. You live in SF, and would drive to Mexico for the work? Sketchy #2. VW shows in Mexico have a very different client base with very different ideas of performance than we do. Save the gas and the effort and put it towards the service locally. 034, JHM are great options to get this work done and they typically provide reasonable service prices. They will also work with you as much as they can.

Take it from someone who goes down there more than I care to admit.


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[moyzes]

I have good labor in San Diego for almost Mexico prices.. plus its a TB job only, not a big and extensive job.. get it done around you.. easier and no risk. If you are around SD area I can get it done for you as well for a fair labor. The gas and time you will spend will be the difference.. not worth it.

I know it soon will be time to change timing belt in my A4 B7, I know its not a cheap job here, and was thinking what if i combine quick weekend getaway with timing belt change. Go to Cabo, or Tijuana for like a weekend, and have local shop do the timing belt change, I'm sure it would be A Lot cheaper to do in Mexico? Am I wrong? Did anybody try it? I don't speak much spanish, but figure it shouldn't be too bad? What are your thoughts?

[AudiA4Turbo22]

Wow, I'm at a loss for words here. You would consider taking your nice semi-luxury sport sedan all the way across the border to a country you've never been to and know nothing about, better yet don't even speak the language to work on your car? That's going to cost you way more than the $800-1,000 to get it done here. Considering you may not even make it back if you're kidnapped (Americans aren't the favs of hispanics currently). Let's just say that you find a halfway decent shop to work on your car. If something were to go wrong on your way back what are you supposed to do? Ditch your car and hitch a ride with a passerby?

C'mon now! Where's the common sense here? At least go to Canada, they speak English and their dollar has fallen in value tremendously over the past year. Better yet, pay for the service just like every other person has to. You bought the Audi, you can't tell me you didn't expect high maintenance costs. Don't be a cheap ass!

/rant

[MikeyB3]

So... what happens if something goes wrong afterwards? Are you going to hold the roll-of-the-dice shop responsible and go back down for a fix? Nah dude. C'mon, be smart. Hit up some places in LA on your way through. There's a number of solid shops. Dont be foolish. This car doesnt like when corners are cut on vital components.

[itsmatt33]

Wow, I'm at a loss for words here. You would consider taking your nice semi-luxury sport sedan all the way across the border to a country you've never been to and know nothing about, better yet don't even speak the language to work on your car? That's going to cost you way more than the $800-1,000 to get it done here. Considering you may not even make it back if you're kidnapped (Americans aren't the favs of hispanics currently). Let's just say that you find a halfway decent shop to work on your car. If something were to go wrong on your way back what are you supposed to do? Ditch your car and hitch a ride with a passerby?

C'mon now! Where's the common sense here? At least go to Canada, they speak English and their dollar has fallen in value tremendously over the past year. Better yet, pay for the service just like every other person has to. You bought the Audi, you can't tell me you didn't expect high maintenance costs. Don't be a cheap ass!

/rant

literally this. even if you lived in SD I would be hesitant. sell your car and get a car you can afford to maintain stateside.

[null]

literally this. even if you lived in SD I would be hesitant. sell your car and get a car you can afford to maintain stateside.

Ok i get it, its not worth it with gas and the risk involved. I always wanted to drive south of the border, and this idea popped into mu head. I clearly didn't weigh in on the possible outcomes.
With gas / travel I wasn't exactly after saving a buck but more for an experience as I never drove across the border. My thinking was wouldnt it be awesome of that worked?
I know 034 guys they are fair and i did my apr tune at their shop. They sell belt kit too and fremont is argueably less sketchy than tijuana.

[Loadsled]

Ok i get it, its not worth it with gas and the risk involved. I always wanted to drive south of the border, and this idea popped into mu head. I clearly didn't weigh in on the possible outcomes.
With gas / travel I wasn't exactly after saving a buck but more for an experience as I never drove across the border. My thinking was wouldnt it be awesome of that worked?
I know 034 guys they are fair and i did my apr tune at their shop. They sell belt kit too and fremont is argueably less sketchy than tijuana.

I'm sure there's Euro shops down there that know their stuff. Not knowing Spanish might be an obstacle though. Guess it would just depend what part of tj you're going to. Good luck which ever route you decide to go with.


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[KneeDragger]

if you can't afford a TB job on a B7 A4, go buy a Toyota Tercel and stop wasting internet space!