The 1.9 i had cambelt, waterpump and rollers/bearers changed at 60k and 120k. Yes, it's an expensive job (£3-400, I seem to recall), but the waterpumps in particular were a known weak spot, and if it goes then the engine is toast. I'd say that 8 years is playing russian roulette.
As to other problems, major or minor : absolutely none. Was still on the original clutch when it was sold @150k. The car is still around now, saw it only a few days ago.
I'm not 100% sure but I thought the water pump was only driven by the cambelt on the 1.9 PD motors when installed transversely (i.e. Golf, A3 etc)?
I seem to remember in North-South installations the water pump was driven by an auxiliary belt, but as I say I'm not 100% on this.
It's always worth checking the cam timing after a belt change on the PD motors, as small changes to the cam pulley position can have quite an impact on performance.
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