Advised I need timing belt done - do you agree with this? yes or no

I have a garage that is new but I trust them due to a close friend recommending them to me.

So far all is well with them however when I was getting a minor service the garage advised me that they can hear a slapping sound when I turn off my car (like the sound of a loose timing chain aparently). They demonstrated this to me and got a call later that day advising me that my car doesnt use a chain but a belt.

So thats fine I asked right well at least it wont be so expensive.

My Question Is: If the analysis is that I need my timing belt done due to the slapping sound. Originally they thought it was a timing chain so If I dont have a timing chain what is the slapping sound when i turn off the engine and does it justify a timing belt/water pump change for £160 before labour.

It sounds like 3 little slaps the noise there going on about. Car is at 97k miles so I wanna be sure.

Surely its been changed before now and has some life left on it if they are about 60k a belt or is it less for leons?

Swanbon said:

If you don't know when the belt was last changed then I would get it changed for peace of mind, but maybe use someone else.

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I thought the same thing but I was hoping to know would you guys assume the slapping sound to be a reason to change the timing belt?

Thats my main issue. As far as I was lead to believe it was changed about 60k so its about 30k into the current one but then who knows if im being told the truth, I just really wanted an opinion about how they came to the conclusion I needed it done when I dont have a chain but a belt that wouldnt make a slapping sound.

I will prob it anyway just wanted to know if its a good enough reason as It seems fishy to me?!