Newbie Question, timing belt query

[mark01348]

Hello all, I am new and I have recently been doing much reading on this forum prior to me purchasing a Golf. Went to see an 06 plate Gti 2.0T with 78k on the clock which I did a deal and I am collecting it tomorrow. Road tested for about an hour and as much as I tried I could not find a fault with the car. My big concern is when I checked the service history it said timing belt due 120,000miles. But I have read one or two threads and tried searching but could not find a definete answer.
Is 120,000 miles the correct interval for timing belt? As from some reading people are suggesting 4 yrs/60k? And now I'm a little worried.
Will call VW dealer in the morning but dont want to miss out on the car deal.

Thanks,
Mark. 

[mark01348]

Anyone know interval? Thanks

[dmac1969]

If the timing belt was done last year as it should have been , then your next change will be in 2014 or when the car has done another 60k since the last belt change. Your best bet is to see if the garage has the service history , or contact the previous owner perhaps?

[mark01348]

Belts never been done. Its on 78k, book says change at 120k but on this forum people are quoting different intervals??

Ta

[nads1_uk]

I believe the belt should have been changed at 4 years or 60k whichever is soonest.  The 4 years is for the tensioner and the 60k is for the belt.  I might be talking c@@p but that's what I was told. I would try telling the dealer you want it done as it's obviously important to get done but also expensive.

HTH

Andy

[mark01348]

oh bugger. was looking forward to getting the car on the road tomorrow. its very over due then. its more of a private sale so id have quote a figure in the hope they can take it off the price. any ideas? When did they decide to change what was printed in the service schedule?
Thanks

[black-a4]

It will need done.

But font let it put you off the car mechanically.
A fellow enthusiast friend has just traded his 05 GTI with 80k on it. He never had the belt changed in that time and the car never missed a beat! Yeah the service book says 120,000km for it to be changed I think, so it will need done. But if the car has been regularly serviced and well looked after. It should be fine.

My 06 has 43k on it and I haven't changed the belt yet. As my vw dealer said it didn't really need done until 6 years or 120,000km. But to be honest I will probably get mine done in the next 6 months.

[mark01348]

Ah ok thanks for the input. Its always had long life servicing. Checked the book. I am a tech but spent most of my time on toyotas and vag is new to me so i may be fine doing it myself. Unless its a special service tool job haha
If the dealer agrees i might look at doing it at approx 80. Just try negoiate a furthur discount 

Thanks guys

[mark01348]

And, is the water pump as important to replace as on the mk4?
Thanks

[stealthwolf]

I recall that to change the water pump involves the same amount of work so in theory should really cost just extra for the part (£50).

[mrdicko666]

Whilst the belt is off you might as well change the water pump! 

[bodger00]

I recall that to change the water pump involves the same amount of work so in theory should really cost just extra for the part (£50).

That's definitely the case. I would get the belt and pump replaced as soon as you get it.