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My wife and I walk to work, but I need a car for family trips and at night I am sometimes required to respond to emergencies. Reliability therefore is very important.

I really like an Audi A3 2002 1.8T that I've seen. It has 100K, is NZ new and well maintained with good records. However the cam belt was changed without changing the water pump. Two mechanics have told me it should have been done and is very expensive- another said it doesn't need to be done.

Any thoughts? Apparently the earlier A3 models had water pump failure problems, but some internet sources say they were improved later on.

Chris

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 23 April 2010

It is often recommended that water pumps are changed at the same time as a cam belt is replaced. The reason for this is quite often pre-cautionary and is can help reduce your overhaul running costs.

If the water pump was to fail a short time after the cam belt was replaced, then the same components would need to be removed from the engine and the same amount of labour used to replace the pump.

In many cases the water pump is driven by the cam belt and the re-tensioning of the new belt can sometimes put a different load on the existing water pump bearing, causing it to become noisy or for the pump seal to leak.

The positive thing here is the cam belt has been changed so I would not let the fact the water pump has not been replaced, stop you buying the vehicle. Ideally in my opinion, it should have been replaced but it may never give you a problem.

Get the vehicle inspected before you commit to purchase. If there is a problem with the cooling system it should be noted at this time.

Keeping an eye on engine and cooling system levels as well as listening for any abnormal noises are part of the ownership responsibilities that go with any vehicle.
Maybe you could allow for a water pump replacement or part of, as part of your negotiations on the asking price by the seller.