Scotty,

I love the channel.  I know you're immediately going to hate my car, but I love it.  I have a 2013 VW GTI Autobahn trim with 120k on the odometer and I'm the second owner, purchased it 4 years ago with just under 80k.  Coming from a 98 Camry 3.0 I've been forced to learn preventative maintenance, as the Toyota only broke when the elements and salt of Minnesota eroded the components.  I replace the DSG fluid and filter every summer, I've installed a catch can and have switched to Mobile1 0w-40 and I don't even have to clean the chrome exhaust tips anymore it burns so clean (thank you for the advise on the catch can).  Being the last of the GTI's in NA made in Germany before they started making them in Mexico, I feel this is a special breed and deserves to be preserved.  You have commented on the build quality of Mexico's VW's and I couldn't agree more, I've test driven a 2017 GTI and couldn't wait to get back in my 2013.  I've got the aluminum water pump that should last, the intake is clean, the turbo actuator diaphram upgraded to brass from the 5th revised thin rubber version VW still hasn't given up on.. The PCV is also using an upgraded diaphram so it does not fail and cause a series of leaks to form.  I think I've covered every common failure except the main elephant in the room.  The timing chain is at 4.7 degrees and I am not certain if I have the revised tensioner or not.

VW Dealership quoted $3k to have the chain and tensioner replaced preventatively, and by the looks of the job this doesn't appear to be something I can undertake even with 20 years of maintaining my own vehicles.  Am I being taken to the cleaners?  Am I being paranoid for contemplating throwing serious money into making sure this timing chain that's supposed to last "the life of the engine" doesn't translate into "15k miles from now"?

Let me know what you think I should do.

Sincerely,

Ron from Minnesota.