dan87951

I'm looking at a 2004 Audi A8 with 23k miles black/black but the car has only had oil changes so far. I work on my own cars and do have a lift in my garage but the thing that worries me is the timing belt. I know its well below on miles but age is a concern and i'm worried about something happening on the 4 hour trip back. Has anyone on this board had a A8 with this low mileage and waited before changing the t-belt? My personal experience is 10 years is about the maximum life on a t-belt before you are living on borrowed time. Thoughts?

Thanks

aTOMic

First let me congratulate you on this find! Wow.

Has the car sat inactive for any length of time or just seldom been driven?

You can easily remove the TB cover and inspect a large majority of it. 5-6 10mm bolts (hidden well, you feel for them).

If you're going to pay someone to do it, do it before the trip. If you want to DIY as I suspect (smart), my inclination is to say it's ok for another 30k miles at least. Pending inspection, of course.

You could drive it back and keep the revs below 2500 if you go easy; these cars shift early.

Welcome to AW, keep us posted!
-Tom

aTOMic

You could compromise and have it shipped back but where's the adventure in that? ;p

4-hour drive shipping will run ~$300-400 unless you try one of the bidding sites.

From where to where (curious, my cousin does this for a living on the East coast mostly between NY and FL). he'd give you a deal.

mishar

If that millage is real just drive it and enjoy. Later on you may replace it just for the piece of mind. Just TB nothing else.

2k6blacka8

I would be worried kinda too but if it hasn't been around a lot of hot weather then I wouldn't worry too much. Damn that's a very good find. 23k? Wow!!!!! My Dad has 47k on his D3 and still on its 2nd battery replaced 7 yrs ago when he bought it CPO. Bought with 37k. Never seen winter since he owned it.

Fez2013

Rare finds are out there, My 2007 had 19,900 miles when I got her almost a year ago. Post up some pictures and tell us what she comes with. Congrats and enjoy.

Brozee

Think of all the cars on the road with belt driven engines. I'd say a HUGE majority of those car owners have never changed those belts and are easily running at 100k+ miles and over 10yrs + on the vehicles. The Audi belt is quite nice and I don't think you'd have any issues whatsoever. I'd inspect it to be safe, and if it looks alright replace it at 50k when you change the plugs and oil change.

Mister Bally

I have made many posts regarding belt life here, mainly based on mileage. Search this forum using my handle for those posts. The OEM belt is the best quality there is. Pull off the two covers (two torx bolts on each cover) and inspect. Rotate the crank manually and check the whole, long belt. Top and bottom. You will know right away if there is an issue requiring replacement. My personal opinion is that it is good for 150,000 miles on the low revving engine. The belt is so long that it does not get worn that fast. Chrono age estimates would be way past ten years for me, maybe even 20 years with low mileage (your mileage and age may vary, listen to me at your peril).

aTOMic

Wow, good points! I never considered the fact that our belts have twice the length and travel at lower speed, too! Thanks, Mister!

mishar

Nope. They are travelling the same speed, depending on rpm, just longer run and more bending. So length makes it worst.