Hello guys. I am new to this forum and was thinking about buying a B5 A4 1.8t. I am going into my second year in a University. What scared me is the problem people have been having with the timing belts. They seem to be the major problem with this generation. Are these very frequent? Do you guys suggest I buy an A4 1.8t or no? I ask this because I am not working and will not have much money to do all the repairs for the timing belt and everything.
Also, are there any other major problems with the B5's?

Thank you.

There is no timing belt problem if you do the belt at a reasonable interval (60k miles). To me, the wild card is sludge.

All 1.8 engines should have the timing belts changed at 60k. If you can not afford to do this then do not buy the car.

If you neglect these cars they will not last.