Audi Repair: Timing belt, head gasket, valve head

Question
I have Audi 2.8 Qauttro 99.And the mileage on it is 143000.When i bought it a year ago mileage was 119000.I went to the audi dealer and they told me that its timing belt has to be replaced along with water pump and it costs $2000(for both jobs).but i am delaying it.Please tell me that my car is still reliable and can go for a long trip of about 1500 miles?Also its valve head gasket is leaking.But they told me that its not a major spill.

Answer
Was the timing belt replaced before you got the car?  I would love to be able to tell you that it will be just fine, but unfortunately I cannot.   If the belt has not been changed before, then it could go any day, in fact I am surprised that it has not broken already...  The repair bill if the belt breaks is much higher than $2000! However if you find a good import shop who has the correct timing tools, they can typically do a belt and water pump for around $1200.  It is a large job; mostly labor costs.  The belt costs around $40 and the waterpump around $75, might as well do the valve covers while they'r in there; they cost about $10 each.  So it's worth shopping around, but you do want this job done correctly.  You can use the online forums to get some feedback on local shops.  Good luck,  Jan