You can actually buy the parts from the VW dealer for about $300; that's a kit with the belt, tensioner, and roller, plus a water pump and thermostat added separately. I've always had good luck with original parts, so that's what I've used.
My mother had an '86, then upgraded to a '93 Pajero (so euro) 2.5TDI GLS. Not what you're looking at but I'll share some stuff FWIW. She sold the '93 in 2010. It was a pretty good car. Big and slow, but surprisingly comfortable, especially in the front. These are not as refined as a Range Rover etc, and they feel a bit like farm equipment at times. Got around really well in snow and cold with its advanced 4WD system, could put it in 2WD and get power oversteer too (I managed to smash a fence this way). Interior never felt top quality, but held up really well in terms of wear and tear. Floaty steering feel, squishy manual gearbox, easy clutch, squishy but decent brakes, turbo lag diesel engine. The timing belt snapped (probably because the mechanic did not replace it properly) and the head cracked, which cost a lot of money to replace and was difficult to source. Overall, not a great driving experience, but a decent and solid car that will do whatever you ask of it without grumbling.
my dad has a 97 and that car has been pretty much great to him. never had a tranny issue or a head-gasket. the only problems he has had are have the timing belt snap on him (we think due to improper installation), leaking valve cover gasket (it is a PITA to change) and a heater core leak nothing insane though.
O.K. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, most water hoses, cap, rotor, rotor, plugs, air and fuel cleaner to start off with.
I had my local mechanic (not a VW specialist) do this on my 1.8T in my Passat not too long ago. The total was around $1100. That included my regular oil and filter change, replacement of timing belt, water pump, timing belt damper, and accessory belts (a/c, power steering and alternator).
got the stock timing belt parts in and replaced the hack job that I had for hte mk1 mount back to all the stock mk4 thicker tdi timing belt - got rid of the 16v style mounts and back to all of the appropriate covers.
Yes six years is the most I truly trust rubber (also for timing belts and tires ). I just had the timing belt on my Passat changed: it had about 75,000 miles, and just under six years (was changed once before after a water pump failure). It actually looks quite good until you bend it and see creases developing.
I've slacked on some maintenance, but did the timing belt and oil changes and I have 131k and still running strong.
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