Another question from my awesome week

[theman53]

I was getting ready to go look at a TDI beetle in Columbus this morning. I called the guy and he said he went to start it last night and the timing belt broke. Glad I didn't get to drive it and take it home before it happend, but I think God is trying to say "stay out of Vw's".

Question on this, it has ALH engine and manual. Should I look for anything else? 5,000.00 out the door price after the timing belt is done. I still want to get it as I need a high MPG car for the new year and don't want to rush my IDI build and have it crap out again. Also I wouldn't mind having a backup car that gets this milage. So what do you TDI guys think of this?

[8v-of-fury]

Lucas if it only broke while trying to start there is a good chance it wont need a thing, now this is really hoping.. but its possible. He is going to repair the belt and then the car is still $5k ? See if you can get the car as is for like $1400 lol.

[R.O.R-2.0]

Lucas if it only broke while trying to start there is a good chance it wont need a thing, now this is really hoping.. but its possible. He is going to repair the belt and then the car is still $5k ? See if you can get the car as is for like $1400 lol.

5k would be the cost i would be looking to pay if the car were immaculate, not needing a timing belt..

[745 turbogreasel]

Depends, if he just sticks a new belt on there, it will run, but might just drop a valve and wipe out the head in 5000 mi.

[8v-of-fury]

well for 5k that engine better be torn down and checked out..

[theman53]

That is what I am worried about. The dealer said the mechanic had it torn apart and all looked good. BUT do I really want him to stick a head on that the valves probably hit the pistons? Even though it was just the starter turning it, it still messes with me. I do not want to have 2 vw's with busted pieces. 5000 is supposed to be the price out the door, tax and timing belt included, which is good I think.

[DieselBalz]

Since its a dealer, I would request a 5000 mile dealer power train warranty thrown in, just in case.

[burn_your_money]

 A member on here recently had a similar mishap, and he basically wrote off the head, just from cranking. His was an ALH as well. I wouldn't buy it without a warranty.

[oldpoopie]

Any belt break and I'd assume major head damage. Minimum 1 or 2 bent valves.

[theman53]

That is kind of where I am at. I cannot afford this anyway, and then to have it do what my IDI did would pretty much be the straw that broke the camels back. I would go postal.

[745 turbogreasel]

Since its a dealer, I would request a 5000 mile dealer power train warranty thrown in, just in case.

Not enough, in my experience, it takes 6203 miles  before valve salad shows up.

[theman53]

Dealer said engine is toast and they are trying to source another. I don't know what it will do to the cost, but I am looking elsewhere. I may go 10 hours to get one. Looks exactly like what I want. Jetta with a 5speed. I will let you all know if he accepts my offer.

[R.O.R-2.0]

Since its a dealer, I would request a 5000 mile dealer power train warranty thrown in, just in case.

Not enough, in my experience, it takes 6203 miles  before valve salad shows up.

i love reading comments like this from you guys! lol..

its something to laugh about now, but im sure it was less than laughable when it happened.

i expected to have valve salad when i opened up my last crash, but all i got was cam/lifter salad!

was expecting to pull the engine and replace to fix it, but instead it turned into a record fix for me..