second hand car choice and Cambelt

catoutthebag

I have narrowed down two cars but held back by Cambelt on my first choice

First choice: 56 plate 97k fsh and 1.8 petrol which I prefer at 2895. He said in principle he'd take 2600. He said he doesn't think Cambelt is done but says it's not making noise and he'd check with garage regarding the tension. I would buy at 2600 if Cambelt was done but wouldn't pay that if it hadn't been done. I would pay 2400 if it hadn't been done but doubt he'd accept it. Prefer the extra power of 1.8. No tax

Second choice: 07 plate 100k fsh and Cambelt 1.6 at 2695. Just had mot no advisory. Few months tax left.

Called dealers and on this car The Cambelt is changed after 100k or 10 years

Obviously pending physical inspection how should I proceed?

BeenThroughItAll

catoutthebag wrote: »

Obviously pending physical inspection how should I proceed?

Only you can decide that. If you want the first one that much, just swallow the cost of a belt change. If you don't you'll only end up wishing you'd bought it anyway.

Nodding_Donkey

It really depends what car you are talking about. On some cars the cambelt is really easy to change on others it's a right PITA. The cost will reflect this.

arcon5

At that price I doubt were talking of anything flash.. Betting new belt kit and water pump less than 300 so really your only talking about a couple hundred quid difference

catoutthebag

Petrol astra design model
Had a quote of 210 for Cambelt and water pump

Just found out the 1.6 is 115bhp thought it was 100 odd so that's swayed me to that now

Any idea what the bhp of the 1.8 petrol vvt design 3dr would be? Doesn't show power on car valuation sites

catoutthebag

arcon5 wrote: »

At that price I doubt were talking of anything flash.. Betting new belt kit and water pump less than 300 so really your only talking about a couple hundred quid difference

Hence why 'couple hundred quid' is a lot for someone 'not flash'

I have 2100 the rest comes out of savings so need to withdraw minimum necessary

droopsnoot

catoutthebag wrote: »

Any idea what the bhp of the 1.8 petrol vvt design 3dr would be? Doesn't show power on car valuation sites

This one does: http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/vauxhall/astra/hatchback-2004/

catoutthebag

Just had a call about the 1.8 and dealer has taken it to garage and they think it's recent (within 20k miles).
Obviously without paperwork it means nothing
Shame
Will check out both. If 1.8 is in better condition ill go for that and if 1.6 is in better or same condition ill be a bit confused

atrixblue.-MFR-.

A dealer is not going to strip down a timing cover to check its tension for you, their going to look at the aux belt, (as usually they are changed the same time a belt is) and judge from that as its easy to pop open bonnet and inspect with no removal of screws and bolts or not bother and call you back a few hours or day later and see if your still interested and throw a number at you to get you to come back in and do a deal.


VVT engine has its problems, look over at VX forums and have a look at the reported issues that the vvt has to offer like the whole vvt cam system seizing with wrong oil use causing £800 worth of cost to repair.


You have two options, treat both cars with no documented history of timing belt kit replacement budget upto £300-£400 to have it done, and go ahead and by one and book it right in to have it replaced.
or come to some agreement with the dealer.

catoutthebag

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

A dealer is not going to strip down a timing cover to check its tension for you, their going to look at the aux belt, (as usually they are changed the same time a belt is) and judge from that as its easy to pop open bonnet and inspect with no removal of screws and bolts or not bother and call you back a few hours or day later and see if your still interested and throw a number at you to get you to come back in and do a deal.


VVT engine has its problems, look over at VX forums and have a look at the reported issues that the vvt has to offer like the whole vvt cam system seizing with wrong oil use causing £800 worth of cost to repair.


You have two options, treat both cars with no documented history of timing belt kit replacement budget upto £300-£400 to have it done, and go ahead and by one and book it right in to have it replaced.
or come to some agreement with the dealer.

The 1.6i 16v has had a Cambelt changed
Its the 1.8 vvt that may / may not have

I was quoted 210 Cambelt and water pump change as above

Thanks for alerting Me to the vvt issues. I guess with fsh it should be well looked after? Would you risk it?

Any issues with the 1.6i 16v engine?

atrixblue.-MFR-.

catoutthebag wrote: »

The 1.6i 16v has had a Cambelt changed
Its the 1.8 vvt that may / may not have

I was quoted 210 Cambelt and water pump change as above

Thanks for alerting Me to the vvt issues. I guess with fsh it should be well looked after? Would you risk it?

Any issues with the 1.6i 16v engine?

I don't rate Vauxhalls at all so im somewhat bias against them, personally form what I have seen of the Vauxhalls in general and 1.6 16v is that EGR problems arise causing lazy idle and limp mode, coil packs are expensive, airbag lights abs lights are common to come on, interior quality is poor in that rear lower bench seat (the bum part) stitching comes away and a £150-200 bill to have re-stitched privately, drivers bolster frays through, (just have a look at high mileage ones to see what I mean on fleabay), rocker covers like to leak oil.


personally wouldn't consider one after looking at many for a stop gap vehicle, and being disappointed by quality and issues. dealerships love them because they retain a certain amount of retail value, they wont budge on them much because where there's one there's another behind you willing to pay the price you refused.