VW Polo 1.2 2013 Plate Timing Chain

SwingsitlikeHogan

SwingsitlikeHogan

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My cracking little VW Polo 1.2 2013 Plate (88k miles)

The timing chain needs replacing and I've been quoted £1900 (all going well and nothing else found while doing it) by local VW dealership...my usual MOT/Servicing place said they couldn't do it.

It's a horrid load of £££s, and a quick look online tells me that it is a very time consuming job and one that has to be done properly - so it's going to be expensive. Plus it needs a new exhaust flexi joint (well I think that that's what he said over the phone - going to check) - and they are quoting £800 for that.

And there are a couple of other bits about brakes and stuff that they picked up. So in total probably not much shy of £3000.

And I'm thinking that it's just not worth it...especially as we were going to replace it soon in any case (but weren't thinking VW so money-off goodwill gesture mentioned is kinda by the bye)

Thoughts (on cost) please - I fear that We Buy Any Car comes to mind...

Sad...😪
 
That is very lumpy for the timing chain I’d say. We have an ‘10 Polo as a run around for the kids and I think we paid half that at a small independent guy we use….seems it’s a common problem. Unfortunately it is an expensive repair.

If it’s a 3k bill I’d probably scrap the VW and use that money towards a replacement
 
main dealer prices are always very high compared to independent places. If you can't find anywhere else to get it done cheaper then I personally would be getting rid.
 
I’d look elsewhere to get the chain changed. As for the other stuff, no way would I take the word of a main dealer service dept. He’s almost certainly looking to take advantage. Get the chain done elsewhere, if it’s due. The other stuff, if it needs doing, I’d take to an independent garage and have them check it.

As around the club for recommendations.
 
Hobbit said:
I’d look elsewhere to get the chain changed. As for the other stuff, no way would I take the word of a main dealer service dept. He’s almost certainly looking to take advantage. Get the chain done elsewhere, if it’s due. The other stuff, if it needs doing, I’d take to an independent garage and have them check it.

As around the club for recommendations.
Click to expand...
Timing chains are not a lifed component, they don’t become due. A quick search on the net shows that early 2010s Polos suffer from timing chain issues so could require changing.

@SwingsitlikeHogan - Is there any problems with rough running, warning lights etc that could indicate a problem?
 
Neilds said:
Timing chains are not a lifed component, they don’t become due. A quick search on the net shows that early 2010s Polos suffer from timing chain issues so could require changing.

@SwingsitlikeHogan - Is there any problems with rough running, warning lights etc that could indicate a problem?
Click to expand...

I think we’re splitting hairs here. There’s been so many different makes and models that have a history of timing chains failing at xx, and so many owner’s FB pages with recommendations to change the components at xx-y miles. Just because there isn’t a manufacturer’s recommendation, why would they advertise a potential failing, doesn’t mean it’s not wise to change it.
 
Hobbit said:
I think we’re splitting hairs here. There’s been so many different makes and models that have a history of timing chains failing at xx, and so many owner’s FB pages with recommendations to change the components at xx-y miles. Just because there isn’t a manufacturer’s recommendation, why would they advertise a potential failing, doesn’t mean it’s not wise to change it.
Click to expand...
True, but it needs weighing up with regard to the value of the car, the cost to replace it and the likelihood of it actually failing in the remaining time you expect to have the car.
 
KenL said:
True, but it needs weighing up with regard to the value of the car, the cost to replace it and the likelihood of it actually failing in the remaining time you expect to have the car.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. If replacing the car is on the near horizon, after hearing that from the dealer I’d be shifting on now.
 
At 12 yrs old, I would firstly get a WBAC value of it. Then, get a quote from a decent independant. To take a car that age to a main delaer is nuts.
Ultimately, I suspect the cost to change is worth it.
 
Neilds said:
Timing chains are not a lifed component, they don’t become due. A quick search on the net shows that early 2010s Polos suffer from timing chain issues so could require changing.

@SwingsitlikeHogan - Is there any problems with rough running, warning lights etc that could indicate a problem?
Click to expand...
No…it’s just very ‘rattly’ on engine startup. Running seems fine…though I’m no expert on what is and isn’t how it should be.
 
Hobbit said:
Absolutely. If replacing the car is on the near horizon, after hearing that from the dealer I’d be shifting on now.
Click to expand...
We were planning to move it on to our daughter, and get something like a 2-3yr old Volvo XC40. MOT is due end-Aug. Will the issues identified today cause an MOT failure…dunno. If not, then I’m inclined to just keep going with for maybe 6months (if it makes that) to give us a bit more time to decide on what we want to replace it with.

I’ll get a quote from an independent to see how that feels. But Autocar suggests its not worth more than £2.5k to £3k.
 
Bunkermagnet said:
At 12 yrs old, I would firstly get a WBAC value of it. Then, get a quote from a decent independant. To take a car that age to a main delaer is nuts.
Ultimately, I suspect the cost to change is worth it.
Click to expand...
By ‘cost to change’ I assume not fix. I’ll see what WBAC tell me ‘as is’, and ‘if fixed’.
 
I never use main dealer servicing. It’s hideously overpriced and I have had many bad experiences of corner cutting.

There are lots of independent VW specialists out there. I use one for my Touareg. Find a good one, and you’ll invariably find excellent workmanship at a considerable saving.

That said, if your car is getting on, I’d question the sense of spending that much on it. Even if you get a cheaper quote. A big job like that may just be the start.

Personally, I’d be cutting my losses.
 
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