I don't understand this settlement at all. It seems that Audi dealerships cannot possibly be objective during the timing belt inspections - it would decrease their liability for reimbursing costs of wrecked engines due to timing belt failures if they simply told everyone at the newly mandated inspections that they need new belts. That is what they did to me. I have a 2001 Audi with only 23,500 miles on it. I've been told I need a new timing belt due the age of the vehicle. Has anyone else received this advice on a car with similarly low mileage? Should I really pay up to have a new belt installed? Any chance that a different dealership will give me a different opinion? I obviously hate to shell out this money if it is unnecessary. Thanks.

 

2003 TT with 30,000 kms. Same thing happened to me and numerous other Audi owners I have spoken with. They default to the 'years' and tell you a new belt is needed. It's basically a cash grab from Audi. You're screwed if you don't get it done, in my opinion, unless you decide to pay for a second opinion. But you'd better be able to trust that second opinion, if they tell you your belt is good. The downside here is that will we need to replace our belts every five years even if we barely drive the cars? It seems to me the design (2000-2001) is faulty and now we are being held accountable. I'd be interested to find out where you got your decision from? Mine was from Richmond Audi. I've received such poor service from them, that I'll never go back. They initially quoted me $1250 for the timing belt work and then tried to charge me $1900 etc...