Timing belt advice 2002 NB

[reisentr]

I am the new owner of a 2002 New Beetle with only 45,00 miles. Should I consider doing the timing belt and water pump replacement now based on the age of the car?

[Opelmania]

First congrats on finding a very low mileage nB and welcome to the org. Yes, absolutely you should change the timing belt and water pump. The timing belt is rubber and should definitely be changed after 10 years.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by Opelmania

First congrats on finding a very low mileage nB and welcome to the org. Yes, absolutely you should change the timing belt and water pump. The timing belt is rubber and should definitely be changed after 10 years.

X2. What he says. Better safe than sorry. Mileage isn't the only factor. Age and Heat from the engine over time will deteriorate rubber. Plus that plastic impeller water pump has to go.

What engine and transmission do you have and where are you located??

Newbie Welcome Kit!

[reisentr]

Thanks for the advice guys. I live in Fargo, ND. It has the 2.0 gasoline engine with manual transmission.

[IndyTom]

Great choice for the transmission.

Also the 2.0 is a lot easier to change timing belt on then the 1.8. Here is a link to the entire kit.

Vw Beetle Timing Belt - Vw Beetle Timing Belt Kit

$134.95 isn't bad. For the 1.8 it is twice as much.