Terrible new problem concerning Polo !!!

nick1234 · 2007-12-31T01:28:36+00:00

Hello everyone, I just wrote a thread regarding the deffective door locks, however, I have got a new problem. I was on an excursion to Bathurst (NSW) yesterday early morning when the car broke down in the middle of nowhere. I had to get the car towed - for over $300.- - and the car now sits in a garage in Central Bathurst (I hope it's still there). The problem is the timing belt, which broke: I understand that the timing belt itself does cost around the $15-20.- mark, however, there may be a lot of labour involved (at least several hours). Now, I also understand that in the past (i.e. with the Golf Mk1) a broken belt resulted in damaged valves in the engine so I was wondering if that would be still the case with the Polo (it's a 1998). I know the Golf Mk2 did not suffer from this problem. The latter may be an important factor as it will determine the final cost of this. I am still a student here at Macquarie Uni in Sydney so my financial situation is rather poor as I am not making any money, so I am of course seriously worried right now. Does anyone have some ideas as to the technical situation of this ? How much would you reckon does this cost to fix and is there anyone/ anywhere is Bathurst that could provide me with a fair quote ? The car is at a local garage right now and they will quote me by Wednesday but they don't really seem to know the car at all, hence my post. Bathurst was in lock down yesterday so I returned to Sydney to organise something from there ... plus I don't know anyone out there nor that many people in Sydney as I only came to Australia about a year ago ... Any suggestions or ideas would be very highly appreciated !! Public transport where I live is extremely poor and I now rely heavily on that car to get to job interviews etc. I have never been in such a situation before so this is all a bit new to me ... A big thank you in advance and of course a very happy new year 2008 !! - Nick P.S. the car had just been serviced two weeks ago and nothing was detected !!

mackaymanx Custom Title Time!

1,611 posts · joined Jan 2006 · 15 Jan 2008, 5:29 pm

#628359

Now these guys have the right idea

Quote of the week
"Do I wish to send them to you again, nope, no interest can't be bothered really, to much hassle for little or no return."

[IMG]https://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate2-18600.png[/IMG]

nick1234 Casual Dubber

40 posts · joined Sep 2006 · 16 Jan 2008, 10:47 am

#628463

Hello Bushed from Queensland !

The car has now been fixed (it took the bloke 2 weeks) and it is now back in Sydney. I think I got slightly ripped off though as the mechanic charged me 1,700.- in the end, which is $200.- more than his quote. They also charged me for random rubbish (i.e. over $30.- for windshield wiping water despite the fact that the box was still more than half full). I did take out the NRMA membership on the spot and they charged me an extra call out fee, $310.- altogether (which did apparently include the towing into Bathurst). The car was in actual fact only 20k's out of Lithgow, yet they towed it 34k's the wrong way !!! Hope this won't incurr an extra charge - I did protest though because B. is much harder to get to and a Sydney specialist could have looked at the car much easier.

I suppose you were at Charles Sturt Uni in Bathurst. It seems to be a lovely campus and the town is really sweet, also with well preserved historic buildings and street lights ! How long were you at Mac. Uni for? Are you originally from Queensland?

I have to admit, I did not quite understand that NRMA thing you were talking about. Yet, I mentioned that I'm a student and that I took out the CTP Greenslip with them, but apparently this does not seem to make a difference or anything. The bloody NRMA recommended repairer certainly was after the money, primarily.

Btw. the engine is now mechanically brand new and the car drives lovely. A real pleasure this car is. If only I did not have to fix that much !

- Nick

rob53 Officially Full-On Dubber

385 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 16 Jan 2008, 3:22 pm

#628482

Its sounds like you got ripped off. $30 for windscreen washer water is a joke! It should only cost you a few bucks.
BTW NRMA insurance is seperate from NRMA roadside assistance, they are different companies, so that's why it doesn't make much of a difference.

Thats not rust, it's ah ... orange primer ... yep that's what it is ...

nick1234 Casual Dubber

40 posts · joined Sep 2006 · 16 Jan 2008, 3:58 pm

#628487

I suppose Rob ! Yet, the NRMA is recommending him. I try to take comfort in the fact that the car is running really smooth now. I could send an email and complain but I probably wouldn't receive a response.

rob53 Officially Full-On Dubber

385 posts · joined Jan 2007 · 17 Jan 2008, 8:35 am

#628554

Yeah you right, not much you can do apart from wearing the bill.

Thats not rust, it's ah ... orange primer ... yep that's what it is ...