Expert: Rick O. - 1/26/2009

Question
Do the valves always get bent when the timing belt breaks and how much should the valve repair cost. 2001 jetta 1.8 T

Answer
Pat,
 In most cases, the answer is yes.  Depends on the engine design.  VWs have very close tolerances and timing, any when the timing belt breaks or jumps, some or all of the valves may open into the combustion chamber at the wrong time, at which point they "crash" into the up thrusting pistons.  The fix is to repair or replace the head, which is an expensive engine repair.  $1000 - $2000 is not unusual.  
 If you are looking to DIY or more in-depth experience, you may want to check out:  

forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=27

I do not own or have specific experience with this engine.  But fortunately, the 1.8 is one of the most common modern VW engines around, so you should be able to get some feedback from others who have been there and done that.

Rick