Hi
I just took my 99 passat wagon in for the 60000 mile check up. I know it needs new timing belts, and they call telling me such along with a cople of other things. Ok great, the price for everything was actually lower than I thought. Then I get a call today saying they didn't realize but to change the timing belts they also need to change the water pump and a couple of valve parts etc.. for an extra 400 in parts. Basically what I am asking is is this a typical 60000 mile service for this car or are these extras the dealer charging for something that knowing not enough about cars I can't say anything about? Thanks

The timing belt change at 60,000 is recommended if your car is not under warranty (you're the second owner etc.). When changing the timing belt, it is recommended to change the water pump too since its right there and has about the same life expectancy. It will save you in the long run to do it now. Having said that, I would search online to find the parts myself as you can probably do much better than the dealer's parts dept. for prices. If you skip over to www.clubb5.com and register, you can then call Liberty VW in Illinois and they will sell you the parts for 10% over cost plus shipping which is typically much less than dealer retail. I would start there at least. Your dealer can then install the parts for you or you can bring it to a VW/Audi specialist and have them do it if you're out of warranty.

For reference, I paid $450 total for parts and labor to have my timing belt, water pump, tensioner etc. changed at the tuner I use.