Should I have the timing belt changed on my Volvo S80?
My Volvo S80 D5 was delivered in Dec 2003 and has done 80,000 miles without a problem. The Volvo service book says after 96,000 miles or eight years I should change the timing belt. Should I have the belt changed now or leave it for year or two?
Also you recently said "do not buy a cheap diesel". I was hoping to keep mine for quite a few more years and I thought diesel engines could do 150,000 to 200,000 miles without a problem. What do you suggest?
It needs a timing belt, tensioner, small pulleys and water pump as soon as the job can be done. My comments concerned the current crop of diesels that are now saddled with diesel particulate filters, dual mass flywheels, exhaust gas recirculation valves, turbos and often timing belts as well. This is a lot to go wrong and can turn a cheap diesel car into a very expensive purchase.
Answered by Honest John on
