when do i need to change my w reg passat cam belt?

Question 1
when do i need to change my w reg passat cam belt?...  i have just bought a used w reg passat. its done 53000 miles. i not sure whether the cam belt needs done at 60000 or because its 10 years old.
i am concerned because i have a year warranty on it. which will probs be void if i have not had this done.
does anyone know for sure when passat cam belts have to be changed?
its a 1.8 petrol 20 valve.

Answers
1)   When they make a squeaking sound - Jamie

2)   Hi there.
If it has never been done and you can afford it, then get it done for peace of mind.
If it is due in next service, then have it done under the service BUT if the cam belt goes, it takes the engine with it usually - not worth risking for long.
True of any car you buy, though.
Good luck, Steve. - Steve J

3)   Honest John website shows following

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volkswagen/passat-2001/?section=bad

1.8 20v engines are snapping their timing belts at 70,000 - 80,000 miles and the extensive damage this causes is not repairable. The car will need a replacement engine. Timing belt of 1.8 20v needs changing before 4 years or 60k miles (whichever comes first).
Get the tensioners & water pump done as well while they're doing the work. - GzH

4)   not sure my car has 390,000 hasnt been done yet
most should be replace a round 60 to 100,000 miles and its not a have to do time its a should do thing
if one snaps 90% of time it bents other parts costing more to repair - kelly_f_1999

5)   Get it changed now, miracle a 10 year old belt with 53k miles is still in one piece. Average mileage for cam belt changes is 60k miles or 5 years. - Nick C


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Question 2
Pros and cons on the 1970's or later edition VW beetles?...  i want to convince my mom to get a 1970 (or later edition but no later then 2000) VW beetle but i need some research on it so can some of you tell me the pros and cons about the car like hows it on gas stuff like that

Thanks to anyone who answers!!

Answers
1)   The biggest con is that the old bugs are death traps. You aren't likely to fare too well in any head on collision. If you're in a cold climate be ready to freeze your tail off. The heat will not work. They are also pretty small cars, so if you want something roomy, you probably want to look somewhere else. Another con is that they all leak oil and will break down (in small ways) frequently.

Biggest pro is that repair work when they do break down is EASY. The air cooled engine design requires little maintenance (except adding oil occasionally). The carburetor is simple and can be rebuilt in less than an hour if you know what you're doing. Even an entire engine change can be done in 6 or so hours. Another big pro is that they are easily customizable with fiberglass body kits and a million engine dohickys that can be added. I've had several and they are a lot of fun , but I wouldn't want one as my primary vehicle. They are basically just really cool Toy cars. - Scott

2)   DON'T sorry 2 yell but you need to hear me

1 they were ok in the 60s early 70s.[for a basic crappy means to get around but very unsafe,,the 200 "New" bugs are really not bugs under the skin so they are ok
2 as a second weekend "fun" car the old ones ar fine but for a kid/new driver? no - pedro7of9

3)   1970 VW Bug Reviews: http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Reviews-c6918-1970-Beetle.html

VW Bug facts: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Beetle

Gas mileage is around 20-25 depending if it's a 1500cc or 1600cc for 1970. - Kristoffer

4)   true they are not very safe in a collision but then again you can die in a hummer doing only 10 mph. its not just about the car in crashes. it can be about how the hit affects your body. all cars are only as safe as the person behind the wheel and behind the wheel of every other car on the road. they have drum brakes all the way around, so stopping is not as quick as a new car but you get used to it. no airbags, no anti-lock brakes, no traction control, no power steering, 4 speed manual without power clutch so clutching is a little rough, heat is not that great but if you get things set up and working properly you will certainly get too hot in the car. and some other things im forgetting. overall its a fun car to have

as for ease of use, they are very user friendly if you know how to work on cars. if not you may find yourself paying out the wazoo to get it fixed by a mechanic. every 2000-3000 miles you HAVE to change oil clean/replace oil strainer, adjust valves, check timing, check and gap spark plugs, check points/condenser, check dwell and some other things i know im forgetting. but if you do that and more you will be able to drive it with confidence. i drive a 1970 bug to school everyday, a 34 mile round trip, on the highway cruising at 60mph.

they are fun to drive and people will always stop and talk to you at the gas pump, people wave and beep all the time. its always fun to drive by little kids and hear them yelling to their parents "look, look its Herbie!!!"

but if you live in a place where you need a car with a lot of 'get up and go' then you might want to reconsider getting an old bug. my top speed, per owners manual, is 81mph. i usually get around 25mpg, acceleration from 0-60mph is about 18-20 seconds.
other than that they are fun, cheap, and easy if you know what you are doing. - Air-Cooled ACVW


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Question 3
My '03 VW Polo oil light keeps coming on, i've just had the timing chain replaced? Any ideas what may be wrong?...  
The oil level is fine!!

Answers
1)   erm lack of oil !!!!! - Stef1411

2)   Obviously you should physically check the oil level with the dip stick. If the level is ok, check around the engine block to see if there are any loose wires dangling & 'bright' metal terminals you hadn't noticed before. This is the most common cause as they may not have been reconnected! If everything appears ok obtain a new oil switch from a local motor factor ( not Halfords ). A 10 minute job to fix. - george d

3)   possibly the oil pressure switch has gone faulty. Usually diagnosed by a drip of oil coming from it. Very easy to change and inexpensive. - Chewbydoo


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Question 4
Are VW New Beetles gutless?...  I drive a v6 taurus now and I love just that little bit of 'get up and go'

I drove a friends kia rio recently and it was so gutless! hated it!

Anywho are new beetles like a kia rio because they're both v4?

thanks!

Answers
1)   The Beetle was never designed to be a performance car. - Driver

2)   most American cars are gutless and look like crap as well. Then the see a bend and get all confused - Gaz

3)   VW beetle is garbage

if you want good acceleration, get VW jetta or V6 sonata - Retarded Mode


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Question 5
01 gti door light & buzzer sound when door is closed what's wrong?...  Electronic lock also doesn't work

Answers
1)   Could be: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1542461

Seems MKIV VW's have a common problem with the door locks. My door light shorted out and started buzzing while I was driving. Scared the hell out of me too. - Kristoffer

2)   It is most likely in the main computer of your car, had problems like that, and it took them forever to find it...good luck - guanete42

3)   You could also check your fuses. - Martinicus The Mighty!


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