I am a newb to this forum, I have been reading a lot of VW forums the last few days after my disaster started. I have a 2003 Jetta GLS 1.8T Manual transmission...

I was driving on the highway going about 80mph on Sunday when all of a sudden my car deccelerated drastically, my steering stopped working, and I lost my ability to brake. I fortunately was able to cost to a stop near an exit (thank God!!!). I immediately turned the car off. I opened the hood, no smoke no excess heat. Attempted to turn the car on once, and heard a wooing noise I immediately turned it off again. The people on the highway came to help me, the guy stopped and immediately told me he's not a mechanic, but it was most likely a timing belt and to not try to turn it on anymore.

The shop I took it to said I looked like I was lucky and it was only the belt, well this am I was informed that the valves were bent, and because the car is a manual (not remember why he said this is worse) the best and cheapest option is to put a new motor in it. He was able to find a 77k used motor, and will be placing my new timing belt and water pump on the used motor to ensure this does not happen again. The total cost = $3600 plus tax. Does this sound normal?? I am getting so many various answers from people I know, yet most of them do not work on Jettas. I am also finding a wide range of answers online.

The most upsetting part is I take my car to the dealership for oil changes and all maintenance. I am currently due for an oil change (or was before the engine died) so my last oil change was about 7k (recommended change every 5k) miles ago. My car currently has 107k miles. However, no one ever mentioned to me this belt needs to be checked. Upon research as well as speaking to VW of America I was made aware the change was to happen at 105k, but that every oil change vw is supposed to be checking the belts. I'm a girl, I know basic information, but this is my second jetta (1998 jetta gls was my first). I drove it 130k miles and never replaced a belt. How am I to know what needs to be changed if no one tells me? Any advice on cost would be appreciated. I still love my car and since I still owe money on it (more than the repair) I'm going to try and repair it, but I want to ensure I am doing it correctly...

 

Someone has to have an idea of how much the typical engine swap should cost! Anyone??

Anyone want an awesome fully loaded jetta with no engine? hahahaha