Recommend a Good Audi Independent?

[Two Stallions]

My father-in-laws 1998 2.4 A4 is due a cambelt change, so I contacted my local Audi dealer for a price. What annoys me is that said dealer quotes a typically inflated price and then tops it off my saying "we recommend changing the water pump at the same time as not doing so, means that if it fails, there is four hours of labour required to change it. The pump is £80 + VAT if being done with the cambelt". I asked if the water pump was a common failure and the service advisor didn't say yes or no, just that it would be worthwhile doing it at the same time. So you want me to replace a perfectly good functioning item just in case? Well you can swivel for our business then, I'm going to an independent who (hopefully) doesn't have such big group targets to meet. Why is it so many main stealers take the p!ss. I've had this from Audi, VW, Volvo, Porsche, Mitsubishi and even Ferrari.

We're not idiots you know!

Can anyone recommend a good Audi independent in East Anglia? Thanks.

[lewes]

I had a service and cambelt done on my A3 TDI Quattro recently at a garage run by a mate in Beccles.

My water pump was actually starting to leak but a lot of garages do recommend that the pump is changed at this stage as all the pulleys are off and it makes it a much easier and cheaper job for you in the long run.

I know it goes against the grain but sometimes things do make sense.

[markCSC]

Try these guys in Cambridge http://www.deutschwagen.com

I know the water pump often fails in the 1.8T not sure about 2.4 v6

[Touring Remo]

Yelverton Garage (about 5 miles out on norwich on A146)

VW & Audi specialists and very good. My dad has used them for years.

HTH

[thetrash]

The dealer speaks the truth. On an 11 year old car it would be wise to change the waterpump while the cambelt is off. But.... the dealers are charging a lot for the water pump, gsf do them for 31.60 +vat https://secure.gsfcarparts.com/shop/basket.asp?mak...

Not sure if that link will work

[early_911]

Another for the garage at Yelverton . . . . I've used them for the TT I had.

Phil