Thermostat Failed after 9 years - Not a cheap fix!

[MK4_20VT]

   So, on my way to work & I got the 4000 max engine speed on the dash & suddenly I had the power of the old 1.2 55ps polo's 

Scanned it & found P00B700 static fault.  The Thermostat wanted to open to 149.55, my actual value read at 4!

Discovered that I needed to have the whole waterpump replaced with the thermostat.£££  After reading on the forum I think my Gti is one of the longest to last on it's Original pump & when inspected it wasn't leaking!?!  Never had coolant drop in all this time.
64k

Still love the car dispite it costing me 1k to get it sorted

[Finglonga]

Where are you getting it done as that is expensive. I had my latest pump including thermostat replaced for just over £600. It can be done without removing the inlet manifold by a good mechanic who knows.

[MK4_20VT]

Had to bite the bullet & take it to VW.  Needed the car for work & spent two days looking for a garage that wanted to do the job.
Some now only want service work & were honest about not wanting to touch it.

It also needed a service + Brake fulid.

Seen a place in Warrington I might start to use

[CookieMonsterGTi]

Mine is coming up to 7 years. Is it advisable to get it done in advance/does it make it any cheaper? Are there any signs ahead of time or is it all or nothing?

[Finglonga]

No point changing it unless it fails, some can last the life of the car. Others fail within the first year.

Usually the water pump will leak first and you will smell coolant and see it on the bottom of the sump. Rare for a thermostat to fail on it's own.

[CookieMonsterGTi]

Thanks for the info