To think I was concerned over paying $1,256 last week to have the timing belt and water pump changed out at 70K on my 01 TT Quattro Coupe -- I even had a locking/electrical problem they solved for free (not the dealer of course, they got me for $500 before finally replacing the catylast converter 2 months ago -- it was covered up to 80K).

I have had German made cars for years and had I done my research (simple Google) on the Audi TT, I would have never bought my car knowing that any moment the belt would break or slip and cause the damage that you and other have to pay.

As a former TV reporter, I know the impact that media can play on issues such as this. The Boston Globe article is a great example. The book says 120k to replace. The dealer told me 60k -- half the life than anticipated.

I think that is worthy of media attention and numbers can make an impact. A negative, national story would have Audi NA's PR folks facing a tough situation -- just look at the decline in national sales over the past couple of years -- this issues has to play a factor in the decline.

Word of mouth remains the best form of advertising. Especially negative press, that brings those we have not heard about to the surface.

Though I love my TT, never will I by an Audi product again and I will continue to spread the word to anyone I can.

I would like to get refunded just for having to do this preventive work so soon. Not to mention, the days I would drive to work worried that it could go at any moment.

I am sorry this happens to you. I am glad I went in debt on my VISA card to get this done -- I was on dangerous grounds at 70K.

When i had my 2001 225 coupe in the shop a month ago to get a engine rebuild (Hole in Cyl #4) they suggested to me to get my Timing belt, tenstionors, water pump and thermostat replaced while they had the engine apart, only paid $400 for all the parts and the labor was free since the engine was being rebuilt under my CPO. My car has 57k miles on it now and from what everyone has written here, i'm glad i got it replaced when i did!!

Audi should def do something about the problems that many people are having. They shouldn't suggest one set of miles in the manual, the dealer suggesting another set miles, and them breaking prior to the recommended miles. It seems that there is a big enough case out there that they need to revise the recommendation and to replace ones that have broken at a lower set of miles.

If someone knows someone within a Auto Mag or to a big enough TV station, they should do a story about this and bring it to Audi's attention!!

maybe i am having the same issue(including my broken timing belt), were the remotes involved meaning my remotes do open my truck or lock the doors and set the alarm remotely. when i stick the key in the door i can lock doors and set the alarm. i have switch batts and have tried to reset keys. give me an idea how your issue was resolved.

your ideas for the timing belt issue are good. i have contacted the lawyers who represented the A4 suit but they are overwhelmed. Sent an email on sunday. thanks eric

We have three people so far, which is not bad for 5 days... I will keep posting.

The service manager at the Audi dealer here in Houston, TX told me that they recommend that TT owners change the timing belt at 45,000 miles. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I guess if my car broke down at 43,000 mile his story would be "we recommend changing the belt at 40,000 miles). Unbelievable!

A lawsuit is coming whether it will be a small claims court one or a class action one will be determined in the next few weeks.

I am also thinking of fixing the car, and driving it for a few months with a sign that says "Do not buy an Audi unless you have a lot of $$$ for repairs".

who handled the case for the A4.