Engine a mess and I still Have finance to pay

MikeyG46

Hi all I am just after some advice on what happens next. My girlfriends Fiat has just had the timing belt go and it looks like she will need a brand new engine which by the time it is fitted will make the repairs more than the car is worth. She bought the car on finance and has over half the term left to pay ... what would be the best steps forward ? Should she just write off the car and continue with the finance or is there something else ? Any help would be appreciated

Hintza

What engine? If it is the 1.2 Fire then it is non interference and will just require a new cambelt and tensioners plus a water pump (advisable)

thegirlintheattic

How old is the car? If it's on finance I'd expect it to be less than 3 years old and assuming average mileage I'd be very surprised that the timing belt went. Could be a case for Fiat to answer to?

Mr_Thrifty

The way you paid for the car is independent of any issues you may have with it.

buscape

How old is it and how many miles has it done? Is it 8 valve or 16 valve?

motorguy

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

How old is the car? If it's on finance I'd expect it to be less than 3 years old and assuming average mileage I'd be very surprised that the timing belt went. Could be a case for Fiat to answer to?

If its on finance it could be anything up to 10 years old.

mattyprice4004

If the timing belt has gone, there's a pretty good (almost certain) chance it hasn't been changed when it should have been.

How are the finance company responsible for that? It's your job to service the car, not theirs. The fact the car is knackered is nothing to do with them as this isn't their fault.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

best steps forward? learning mechanics from a haynes manual and changing the engine over yourselfs to cut costs if money is an issue.

ebay for a replacement engine if it is an interfierence engine. if not a interfierence engine then a cambelt kit, and water pump is the only parts required, using a haynes manual set the pistons to TDC and line up the cam to the markings replace parts provided in kit and water pump (using some sealer too) slip on the belt tension it and put the cover back on your good to go.

irespective of condition, finance is still payable and wont involve themself with the failure. unless theres cause to claim such as vehicle recently purchased, or work done in that area has caused this failure, then i cant see why the finance company would be involved.