Thermostat housing leak advice Audi S3 2016 F/L

[bushybeaver]

Hi, I appreciate any advice here.

As a long term VAG fan, I understand a general consensus is that the OEM pump on these engines is week, especially if the car is mapped as mine is. I have a slight leak and the suspected problem is the thermostat housing not the pump.
Audi want over £1000 for this job, no mention of the water pump just the thermostat on the quote. Fair enough its not broke.
Is it still wise to replace your water pump for the stronger mental fins one at the same time as replacing the thermostat? Or is it stronger now?
Can anyone recommend where to buy both parts please if needed.
Thank you

[bushybeaver]

Adrian E said:

Makes little sense not to do both at the same time (and quite often it's difficult to diagnose the source of the leak until the car's in bits anyway)

Had both done on my GTI last year and total cost at an indy specialist was £690 incl VAT.

That breaks down as 4 hours labour (£260) and parts were £224 for the thermostat, £69 for water pump and a union and seal (£7 and £14 respectively). All prices +VAT.

Thanks for this. Cheapest Kit I can find that’s in stock is £390 posted. Without coolant it comes with everything else you have said. Do you know anywhere cheaper than clp tuning? It’s seems fair price tbh.