I just hit 102,500 miles on my 06 TL and the A4 maintenance reminder came on. I am planning to sell my TL in 2 months. But in the meantime, it is my daily driver and I commute about 60 miles roundtrip each day to work. I have been keeping up with all the maintenance work on my car ever since I bought new. The drive belt and spark plugs were changed at 65k miles. Oil change is done at around 5000 miles using synthetic Mobil 1 oil. Coolant was flushed at around 50k. That's probably due for another flush.

So, should I do the timing belt/water pump service while I still have the car in my possession? It is mostly for my piece of mind. Or should I just drive it for another 2 months and have the new owner do the service instead?

what would you guys do if you're in my shoes?

 

I wouldn't. Did my timing belt on my 2005 with 109k miles and it was still in useable shape. didn't look new, but was nowhere near to failure.

 

I woulndt do it unless stating its "Service Due NOW"

but I would mention to new owner that the service must be done. I hate people who lie or dont mention anything and its a gamble on what needs to be done on a car. Thats why I get any used car to be inspected prior to purchase but going through the trouble can be a pain. Scheduling dates, times etc

 

the MID is actually stating "service overdue now". The A4 "service due now" came on at 102500. I'm about 300 miles past due currently.

If I don't do the service myself, I do plan on disclosing to the new owner that the timing belt service will need to be done. I hate buying things from people who lies as well. I've taking really good care of my TL so I have nothing to hide when it's time to sell my car.

 

If it was me, I would probably do it. Might make it easier to sell. just make sure to hold onto all receipts to show buyer it was done.

 

if you really are going to sell, i wouldn't.

From my experience,buyers don't know or care about services, they just use it as a bargaining tactic.
This changes if the person that's interested is an enthusiast, like the people on this forum. Then this service and the way you took care of it actually matters,and in their mind gets factored in to what they will pay for it.

 

Oh well than I would get it done. Bump price up to compensate the cost, these TLs are still hot sellers and inflated in price compared to NADA, KBB and TMV prices.

So you can get away with a higher price. And new owners wont have to worry about it.

 

I would do it so i can get a better price, better yet if i can do it myself then get paid for my work lol. why sell tho? i have a 2004 and i love it, i have no intentions of getting anything new soon...

 

I would do it.
because if not, the new seller will lower your offer due to his scheduled repair.

 

This!

 

You won't like my answer- do the service and drive it for another 100K. If it's in really good shape why spend the cash for new when yours will do just fine?

 

Sounds like most everyone here is leaning towards getting the service done before selling car. If I do it, I would do the job myself, so the cost to me isn't much. If I decide not to do it, I would of course let the buyer know that the service is due and I was thinking of giving him/her a break on the price for them to get it done themselves. Hmm. I'm still on the fence.

The car is in great condition. I take very good care of it. Never even had it washed by anyone else except me. I just wanted to sell it to use the money as part of a down payment to get a new car.

 

Well someone mentioned, if the car has been good to you, then keep it for another 100k miles.

I just thought you were dead set on selling it. I would keep it!!
What were the cars you were interested to put the down payment on?

 

As a buyer I actually check for proof that big maintenance items like that have been done. If not I usually plan on doing it myself and try to talk the seller down the cost of the maintenance. Timing belt is one of those big items that any smart seller is going to want to make sure is done. Its a peace of mind kind of deal. Better to spend the $1300 vs the cost of a new engine. I am replacing my NSX TB/WP in June $1700 - $2200 depending on the shop like most owners mine is probably good for another 20k miles, however I wouldn't want to take the chance. Plus when you get something like that done, it shows you actually taking care of the car. If I found a car that was overdue for the TB/WP I would also question what else hasn't been done. Just saying.

 

You make a very valid point.

I will be getting a 2014 Porsche Boxster to replace my 06 TL. If production at the factory runs smoothly, I should have the car by mid to late August.

 

If you're getting a Porshe be sure & get the extended warranty, you're going from a low maintenance vehicle to HI.

 

the new boxters look awesome.

I drove a few porsches for the first time at the event they had in fontana auto club speedway. Very capable cars.

 

Porsche do look awesome!

Now that I think of it, I havn't seen too many on the road and I know there are a lot of them.

I do lots of highway driving through ritzy areas and barely see them anymore.

 

im at 124k miles in my 05. Mine came on when it was "time for replacement". i cleared the message, wrote it down, and will take it on in a few months. For now, im still rockin the old one, and shes nice and smooth. As stated before, TL's are hot right now. Not too many people will think to ask "hey, have you changed your timing belt?" but you could always inform them.

In any case, write it down and stick it in your glovebox or something, that way if you decide not to sell (kinda what im going through right now) youll remember that its still something you have to take care of.

 

i wouldn't IMO

 

I wouldnt if you are just going to sell it, Im at 123k with original timing belt Im in need of doing it tho

 

If you are going to do the job yourself you would be silly not to. Go buy the Gates kit for 170 dollars on Amazon and do it yourself. You will easily get an extra 500-1000 when selling it after saying it has a new timing belt. The labor is the main reason why people hold off since its time consuming, but if you can make time over a weekend to get it done on your own I do not see what you have to lose?

 

at the same time if he DIYed it's dependent on whether the person buying the car trusts the OP's work. Not saying the OP's work is bad, but yeah.

 

nah dont do it. i waited until 125k miles to do my timing belt, and even so it was in good shape when I took it off

 

I would be more concerned about it being over 7 years old too....the master tech I talk to when I bring my car in said stuff starts leaking after that long and it not worth the risk...everyone is going to say wait do not do it and then what if it goes? Then you are fucked...seems simple for peace of mind if nothing else