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All the belts and whistles

I have just replaced my 156,000 mile 1994 Volvo 850 auto estate with an almost identical 1998 V70. This is the 4th consecutive Volvo estate I've owned since 1975 - all second-hand. I've followed your advice over the years regarding oil changes, cambelt and tensioner (+ water pump) replacement, brake fluid changes etc and have enjoyed largely trouble-free motoring over about a quarter of a million miles. The V70 just acquired has covered only 50,000 miles with its one previous owner. Whilst it has been serviced annually, in recent years by an independent garage, the cam belt is still the original one. The Volvo-recommended interval for cam belt change is 80,000 miles, but on the basis that the belt is now almost 12 years old I think I should have it replaced (probably with the water pump as well). Do you agree? Also, although I've replaced batteries in the remote key fobs, they have to be very near the door to work. Is this usual for this model (my previous cars haven't had remotes)? By the way, I use 'left foot braking'. Around town it gives me just a fraction of a second more time to apply the brake if needed - maybe just that vital few feet to avoid a mishap.

Asked on 10 April 2010 by G.W., Laleham

Answered by Honest John
Change belt, tensioner, pulleys, waterpump. Everything. They're all on borrowed time and a 1998 V70 with a wrecked engine is worthless. The remotes themselves can fail with age.
Dear Honest John,

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