Hello!

As mentioned in a previous post i'm currently searching for a Fabia mk1 1.4 16v

I've researched what i can about the timing belt but i'm still not totally clued up!

What are people's opinions on:

- Should i walk away from a car that hasn't had the belt done in the last 4 years, regardless of the mileage?

- If not, how much should i expect to pay for a garage to change it?

 

Thanks, as always, for any advice :-)

You shouldn't worry too much about the belts (there are two) on these, as long as it's been done since it was new then that's good enough, don't buy a low mileage one since it'll probably use oil through incorrect running-in.

Don't overthink this, just a buy one in good condition that's been looked after and don't worry about the mileage.

Thanks for the tips!

There might be another answer to your question, if I am reading your opening question correctly, you seem to have made yourself aware that there is a suggestion that cambelt kits should be changed on these engines every 4 or 5 years or 60K miles, whatever anyone's view on the need for that really is, are you suggesting that you would only buy a used car if it had just had its cambelt kit replaced?

 

I'd think that how much "suggested service life" is left on any part of a car would influence the price you pay for it.

 

My money, in the past, has always been to go with the flow when it comes to these jobs as the cars involved have been required to be available for use almost every day, you pays your money and you take your chances - the choice is yours to make.