I took my 95 90S in for overheating. Long story short, they are recommending new: themostat, timing belt, heater core and possibly radiator. I have 88,000+ miles. Can I expect additional big cost items as I near 100,000+ miles?

I can see the thermostat. Maybe even the water pump. But why a new radiator & heater core?

Timing belt has to come off to do the thermostat & waterpump, so thats why they maybe wanting to change it?

Who's saying it needs all those parts? Dealership?

MIK TIP:
Hot coolant leaked on the driver side floor on the mechanics foot while he was test driving it, they think it is coming from the heater core. They also did a "heat" test on the radiator and feel it is clogged and that a flush on the aluminum/plastic radiator would do more harm than good.

<center><img src="http://dev.12v.org/images/tbeltpic.gif"></center><p>What did they say about the water pump? ;O)

The timing belt drives the waterpump.

"Normally" when the timing belt is changed, so is the waterpump, thermostat, tension pulley &amp; idler pulley! ;O)

It maybe possible the radiator &amp; heater are bad on your car? If it were my Audi, I would definetly like to see physical proof, of why they say those components are bad.

The heater core can be pressure tested, and checked for leaks, independently of the rest of the system. So can the radiator. ;O)

I agree with the complete TB job. If radiator is not in to bad of shape, you could have it pressure cleaned and rodded. But it would be very difficult to Diagnose a bad radiator if you have other problems with the system.

They said that the water pump is fine. I am trying to figure out, before I sink $1600-2000 in this car if is worth it. What other expenses/breakdowns can I expect as the car nears 100,000 miles?

I have been told I can't pressure test these radiator's because they are made of plastic and aluminum and it would damage it?