What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Little belter

This week I took my 2005 SEAT Ibiza 1.4 Sport for its 5-year service and MOT. I bought the car new and it has 43,000 miles on the clock and has been serviced regularly by a SEAT dealer. The car needed some minor work but otherwise passed the MOT fine. On discussion with the mechanic he stated that the cambelt should be replaced after 4 years or 40,000 miles and recommended I book my car in for the work, at a dealership cost of £330. I queried this with the mechanic stating my previous car (a Peugeot 106) didn't need its cambelt changing until around 90,000 miles. Is the garage correct in recommending I get the work carried out as it seems a lot of money to spend on a car that is only 5 years old.

Asked on 10 July 2010 by DS. via email

Answered by Honest John
It’s a standard requirement on this engine, mainly because the small plastic pulleys have a habit of failing, throwing off the belt. They have to be replaced at the same time as the belt.
Similar questions
Does the Toyota Avensis d4d t3s have a timing chain or belt.
I am currently driving a 2002 Skoda Fabia 1.4 and have decided to give the car to my daughter. Prior to handover I thought it would be prudent to have a full service so booked it in to my local Skoda dealer....
I have recently bought a one owner 1999 Mercedes 230SLK with 40,000 miles on the clock for a bit of summer motoring. It's a lovely car and I paid £7,995 for it from a good dealer but not a specific Mercedes...
Related models
More interesting looking than a Polo. 1.8 petrol turbo FR good fun.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer