Audi 1.8l TT Timing Belt Failure

This 03 Audi TT with 1.8l engine had a timing belt failure with 76k miles on the odometer.  We have seen this several times.  Although Audi recommends the timing belts be changed on these 1.8l engines anywhere between 80k and 110k miles the belt manufacturer recommend that the belts be changed a minimum of every 7 years.  In this case the low mileage belt deteriorated from age more than miles.  Almost all of the valves were bent, and the valve guides were damaged and had to be replaced.  Of course we replaced all of the timing belt components and the water pump.  A timing belt job is a little expensive at about $1100 but redoing the head for $5300 is a lot more.