Who knows about cars?

An engine rebuild will cost £3000 maybe more, it depends how much damage has been caused and how old the car is. It’s worth maybe £2000 as it is, the engineer is giving you an “estimate” not a quotation so beware extra costs.

Quite probably fitting a S/H engine will be a cheaper solution because labour costs will be less, if it’s a petrol engine it will be cheaper than a diesel.

Best bet if it’s over 10yrs old fit a S/H engine, with a new cam belt.

I’d definitely get a couple more quotes and a second opinion about the engine damage. If the belt snapped the engine would have been damaged.

You like the car and it’s been reliable but if you get it repaired but get a good warranty on the new engine.

If you have it serviced regularly, the garage should have checked the mileage and done the timing as it became due.

It has always been my understanding that the timing belt on a car engine is changed at a certain mileage/age of the car; normally, the service mechanics would advise this.

Of course, this doesn't help you but perhaps others might benefit.

Personally, if you are fond of the car, then pay the price to get it fixed and continue to enjoy driving something familiar to you, or sell it and recoup as much as possible.

I read that the price of second hand cars has gone through the roof recently so while I’d usually say replace ( I’ve spent fortunes on cars when I should have got rid of them )the situation has changed.

Get a second opinion.

It’s depends on it’s age and availability of parts required. I would make enquiries from Audi parts supplier and more than one quote for the actual work to be done. Do not rely on one quote especially for a specific car repair.

My DH's theory is that if you buy an expensive make of car in the first place, then you have to expect that the repairs will be expensive too!
I would say to keep it if you like it and it has sentimental value. It will give you more pleasure.

Timing belt or timing chain replacement is inevitable as the mileage gets up there. Repair cost sounds reasonable as it is a big job. Replace the water pump at same time. Replacing the car would be too costly. Make sure they guarantee their work.

I hope you’ve got more than one quote Leonora2 a quick Google, not the best way I know, shows much cheaper prices.

If it’s otherwise mechanically sound and the bodywork reasonable then it makes sense to spend the 3k on a repair. You can then either enjoy your car a while longer or sell on for at least 4 or 5 if not the full 6k.
Good luck ?

If you’ve looked after the car and uts the only thing wrong with it I would repair it.

If it has other problems waiting to be repaired as well, then get rid.

Have you had a second opinion or quote for the work?

I'd get it repaired.

Oh sorry, it seems the car subscription they are talking about in the article is no longer! Still, there is always car leasing but you'd have to do some research. It might be better than buying a car.

I used to be sentimental about cars but having parted with them you get over it. Have you considered car leasing or this new system of a car subscription. It's worth looking into as you will have a brand new car!
Car Subscription

To buy a new/new to you car will cost more than £3,000 so if you love this one and it's otherwise running well then repairing it might be worth doing.

I spent the money on my car this year rather than buy a new to me one. I think it is up to you. I suppose if you spend the 3k, it will be worth 6k to sell on?