Cost of replacing a cam belt has just risen by 50%

[grazuncle2]

I'd hope that your local VW dealership does give the same answer as written in this thread, if not, you should be quoting them in this thread, mainly to help clear this issue up to others or confirm that this latest "thing" is true.

Thanks.

I'm not likely to go back to the franchise now, unless a warranty issue.

[Johntheo1]

I have a Jan 2019 Polo, non turbocharged (Petrol) and my VW dealer told me its due after 5 years/210,000kms (130,488miles), cost now is €600 or ~ £525.
I dont think the timing belt drives the water pump on these engines so a separate service item??.

[Nora]

The water pump is a separate item, but is usually changed at the same time as the timing belt and adds around £100 to the price.
My 2019 Gti was on a 4 year service plan and 4 year warranty plan. Both of those are a rarity for most owners. But as the timing belt is due next year + the major service I’ve pulled the trigger on a new (like for like spec) Gti. However I’m told that there is a possibility of a 6 month wait

[SRGTD]

The water pump is a separate item, but is usually changed at the same time as the timing belt and adds around £100 to the price.
My 2019 Gti was on a 4 year service plan and 4 year warranty plan. Both of those are a rarity for most owners. But as the timing belt is due next year + the major service I’ve pulled the trigger on a new (like for like spec) Gti. However I’m told that there is a possibility of a 6 month wait

The GTI has a timing chain not a cam belt, so there’ll be no need for a new cam belt next year on your car. The timing chain is a non serviceable item so in theory doesn’t ever need changing, although it is prudent to check a timing chain for stretch once a car’s mileage gets to around 80,000.

You’ve said you have a four year service plan; is this the dealership’s own service plan rather than VW’s as VW have only sold two year service plans since the mid 2010’s? Presumably your service plan would cover the cost of most - if not all - of the scheduled work that forms part of the year 4 service. Therefore, if your decision to change your car was based solely on the cost of having a new cam belt fitted next year plus the cost of the year 4 major service, you may want to reconsider your new car purchase decision.