mendelo

I am looking at purchasing a 2005 allroad with the 2.7t motor. It has 130,000 kms on it (not miles). The dealer has no maintenance records (it was an ex-lease). My concern is with the timing belt. The dealer had the mechanic inspect the timing belt through the inspection cover and declared it to look brand new.

First, I get the impression the belt can look brand new even when well used. Secondly, is there an inspection hatch in the timing cover of the 2.7 t, he asks sceptically.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Dealer is lying if he's an audi dealer. Maintenance records are electronic.
Any audi dealer can pull the maintenance records with the key and vin...although they may not want to do so.

If it's an ex lease they SHOULD especially have the maintenance records....gotta ask yourself why the thing is being sold off lease.....

mendelo

Naw, they're not an Audi dealer, just a used dealer that specializes in lease returns. The actual original dealer is in a different state, so I am not sure if I can get the maintenance records by checking with my local Audi dealer.

However the statement that they pulled the inspection cover and the timing belt looks new is my concern. Even if it looks new does it mean it is and secondly is there an inspection cover you can quickly remove for a look?

GTA_Driver

Chances are the timing belt was not done. People try to offload these cars before TB jobs. Especially with 130k kms on it. Audi dealer recommends at 140 to 180k range, so i reaally doubt anyone would do the job while on the lease.

If you buy the car, find a good independent shop to do the work. Where are you located?

mendelo

I am in Edmonton, Canada. See, whether or not the timing belt has been done would affect any offer I might make. But I just moved here and don't know any good independent garages.

4Driver4

Who cares what the belt looks like? It's the idler that dries out and self-destructs.

Replace the belt.

Huskerbob

You don't need to be at the dealership to get the records. After I bought my 2001 A6 I called the dealer who serviced it in New Jersey. I live in North Carolina. No problem. Gave the service guy the VIN and he read me off the list of service they had done on the car. I guess as long as you can figure out where the vehicle was serviced you can get the info.

OzzyLime

If you have a VAG-COM cable you can get the last service date off the ECU. Plan on doing the TB, water pump and cam seals to be safe.

GTA_Driver

I'm in Toronto, I wouldn't know any shops in Edmonton...

The dealer who is trying to sell you the car is the one who told you the timing belt looks new?

Assume the timing belt was not done. Reduce your offer.

OzzyLime

In my case it was ignoring a squeaking serpentine idler that did me in The TB idler on my replacement motor looked pretty well worn when I replaced everything.