Cam Belt Renewal

Takethedogalong....I'm in Norfolk....I will have a walk around my local trusted garages and see what they are offering.

Thanks.

 You can take the man out of the Navy but never the Navy out of the man.

If I could refresh this thread ...............

My van is now coming up to six years old, but I have done less than 15,000 miles. It is due a service and MOT. I use a commercial vehicle, main dealer workshop so I am paying top prices, but willingly. I am advised that Fiat state that the cambelt should be changed at 120,000 miles or after 5 years. 

If you can just take it that the cost is very substantial, my question is, given my low mileage, would you have it changed now or leave it for another few years? The man I deal with at the workshop told me honestly that many owners of low-mileage vans do not have it done after five years. Equally he said that if it goes, and wrecks the engine, I would be "on my own". Fiat would not exactly be empathetic!

Would you have it done or not?

"Do ya feel lucky?  Well, do ya punk?".  Had mine done last year at 17000.

Change it .... As CY says, it's a gamble if you don't. But I'd go elsewhere than a main dealer .... they won't change it any better than an independent garage. 

Did CY say that?

Anyway, I appreciate your advice and thank you for you for it; I am going to change it.

I will stick with the workshop I have always used. Yes, I am paying more, probably, but they look after me well and they are conveniently close.

Thanks again. 

 .... Did CY say that?

Yes! He asked if you felt lucky! Did he fire six shots or only five'? etc etc 😉

GJ, definitely have it done. But shop around, independent garages are very good, dealers are just rip off merchants. Every vehicle we have owned, has gone to an independent garage once out of any warranty. The hassle from dealers is just so frustrating, not just the hugely inflated prices they charge. Find a good one, read reviews, talk to the mechanics, discuss what you want, any parts options. They are often far better mechanics because they work on a greater range of vehicles. 

I had ours changed after 5 years by our local Fiat dealer. Cam belt, new water pump and short service was about £500. They gave me the old parts, including the cam belt and they were in pristine condition but I felt it was money well spent.

Thank you. I appreciate the advice.