Our Golf died two weeks ago and the garage has now confirmed that the timing chain has spilled and the whole engine needs to be replaced.
We had originally mentioned to them that we were aware of the known issue with the timing belt when we dropped if off, so having told us a complete engine replace would be £8,000 when we asked upfront, they immediately in with an offer of that we pay just £4,050 (just!). Based on what other people have been offered we think these seems high? But then we are getting something compared to other people who are struggling to get anything.
It's an 09 place (although registered in the June) and has always been serviced at VW.