PourinDiesel

Digital Bullet,
How hard is it to change the timing belt?

Common

If you've dome one on a Honda, its not too bad... just wrenching...

3 hours and she was good to go.

Buckshotmckee

If he buys the V-6 he's going to be at it alot longer, cause the front clip has to come off.

PourinDiesel

Get the 1.8T that thing is a little rocket. Faster stock than the V6 also...

I raced a 3.5L new maxima and smoked' it on the interstate!

Buckshot,
Here is that VIN# 3VWSE69M82M178108

PS got the water sensor ordered through rockauto....$21 to the door.
It had the 4 prong black sensor. The one I ordered is the updated green unit.

Buckshotmckee

That Vin # has 2 open recalls. Both for the seatheaters. Install an updated harness in the drivers seat, and replace the passenger seatheater switch. That Jetta is also still under the powertrain warranty if its under 60k. The powertrain warranty is 5yrs, 60k. It looks like this car has had very little issues as well.

PourinDiesel

Thanks for the info and help!! I really appreciate it.

96_12V

Finally got back to this - didn't have time to drive it today, so perhaps sometime early this week. Just saw your figure for the T-belt & WP service - and !Ouch! that's in line with my old (and missed) Acura Vigor (5-cyl) that was $1350.

For referance, A '95 Volvo 850 Turbo (also 5-cyl) I used to own was $285 parts & labor for a waterpump & T-belt service. This was at a Chicago-area Volvo dealer and they also replaced the drive belts. Then again, the 325i's I'm also considering use a chain. But thier "inspection" services more than make up the differance....