Havn't bought a car for 10 years - advice?

[drum]

Hi

I'm looking at a 53 Plate Toledo this weekend. 1.8 SE, 68K from an independent dealer.

I've negotiated to £2195 plus they're getting the timing belt done.

Does that sound like a reasonable deal in the current economic climate?

Most importantly, what should the 'timing belt change' include? i.e water pump

Just concerned because one dealer said it's 'only the tensioners need changing, belt is good for 120k'

Is that right or can the belt 'snap' at around 70k as Honest John suggests?

Thanks for any help.

 

[WeeJase]

tensioners and water pump are advisable while they are doing it.newer belts are supposed to be good for 120k,most members on here wouldn't think of leaving the belt that long,the cost to replace head/valves/con rods or in worst case scenario a complete engine would far outweigh the cost of the belt/pump /tensioners.
I have just had mine done on my 03 toledo tdi,310 quid all in.
I take it you would get minimal warranty with this car,but i'd be asking for at least 12 months on the belt if it has just been done.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

Most people on here play safe with 4 years/60k. I would use a full cam belt kit (incl tensioners) and would have the water pump replaced with the metal impeller type rather than the OE plastic one. These are renowned to go on VAG engines especially the 1.8 petrol.

 

[traumapat]

daft leaving the belt. even if its just for piece of mind.

waterpump isnt included in any set service. but as HOS says wise to upgrade the WP while its accessable with the better metal impellar version.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

Just found a link for HEPU VAG metal impeller pumps (cheers Chris)

http://www.water-pumps.org/

 

[drum]

Hi

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

80 mile round trip and it was a bit, shall we say ''shabby''. Useful exercise though. Looking at two more tomorrow.

Feedback like that makes me feel more comfortable in negotiating.

I know already that tomorrow's dealer only wants/thinks the tensiors need changing rather than the belt itself. Sounds to me like they're trying to make shortcuts!

The one looked at today, 1st gear seemed a bit 'sticky' Any thoughts?