Ibiza 1.4 TDI timing belt ??

[dingle]

I'm interested in purchasing this car

http://www.gumtree.com/p/seat/2007-seat-ibiza-1.4-tdi-60-mpg-cheap-tax-low-insurance/1085328083

I spoke to the seller and everything sounds like if checks out, car has FSH so I asked if the timing belt was done. He stated that these cars have a timing chain and it doesn't need changed yet.
I have been unable to find anything to support this claim . Obviously if it needs a timing belt that is a major factor in the negotiations.
Does anyone know anything about these engines ? Is it belt or chain? If it needs a belt is it big work?

 

[hannakournikova]

@dingle your right its a timing belt.

@gcon45 got me one at a great price when we replaced ours. IIRC about £100 for fitting.

remember to change waterpump while your at it.

 

[dingle]

Cheers , sounds like I'd need to be ready to throw over 200 quid at this car straight away. Any recommendations for VAG mechanic in Belfast/newtownabbey?

 

[Wild Thing]

Belt and should be changed at 80k you would be looking at about £175-200 for kit and fitting

 

[dingle]

Thanks for the info guys , I might go and have a look at the car tomorrow. It bothers me that the guy is spinning this yarn but I guess that's car dealers .

 

[Wild Thing]

If its a dealer I would just give it a miss, for them to spout crap like that about a timing chain is not a great start

 

[Wild Thing]

FYI its usually pretty easy to distinguise between a belt and chain. if you look at the timing end of the engine if the assembly is covered with a plastic guard it is belt driven, if its a chain it is usually an alloy or pressed steel guard.

 

[colin84]

This engine has an oil pump chain that is known for breaking.

 

[dingle]

mmmmm is this oil pump chain something that should be replaced also?

@Wild Thing I know what you mean about the dealer, it doesn't inspire confidence when he doesn't seem to know what he is selling.

 

[Simon83]

My wife has the same car and I asked a local mechanic about the timing belt and he said it was a chain and it didn't need changing until 120k. Just went and checked the engine and it has a plastic guard so it looks like I will be needing it he belt change soon

 

[dingle]

It's strange that there's such confusion over whether this is a belt or chain - particularly with guys in the trade who should know better.

 

[Darren91]

@pobmk4

 

[Woodcutter]

It's strange that there's such confusion over whether this is a belt or chain - particularly with guys in the trade who should know better.

I checked that car on an OE system and it appears to be belt. You should be able to buy a Gates kit with water pump at any decent motor factors for under £100.

 

[dingle]

I checked that car on an OE system and it appears to be belt. You should be able to buy a Gates kit with water pump at any decent motor factors for under £100.

Cheers that does appear to be the consensus! I might still take a look at this and ignore what the dealer is telling me of course, it does look tidy in the pictures at least

 

[pobmk4]

It does not "appear" to be a belt..... It IS a belt. Pretty reliable wee engine I actually own 2 of these and one with high miles, never gave a tap of bother! (yet! Lol)

 

[Woodcutter]

It does not "appear" to be a belt..... It IS a belt. Pretty reliable wee engine I actually own 2 of these and one with high miles, never gave a tap of bother! (yet! Lol)

Anyone would think you're a mechanic going on like that!!

 

[pobmk4]

Me..... Nope...... I just make the tea!

 

[Darren91]

Anyone would think you're a fitter going on like that!!

Fixed that

 

[AIRFORCE1]

Can't be that hard to distinguish between a chain and belt surely. One is metal and one is rubber like!

 

[Wild Thing]

View the car on merit and the way it gets down the road. Timing belt is the least of your worries if the car is at the right price get it bought and factor in a couple of hundred to have it changed

 

[AIRFORCE1]

View the car on merit and the way it gets down the road. Timing belt is the least of your worries if the car is at the right price get it bought and factor in a couple of hundred to have it changed

Exactly . A timing belt is just a maintenance item. You wouldn't not buy a nice car because the belt was due and buy a scrapper in it's place because it had it belt done. Go and look at the car

 

[dingle]

Absolutely agree this is only a point to bargain on and an immediate expense to factor in. It just bothers me when these guys lay on the sales talk. Thanks for all the replies

 

[wes]

Since it's got a fsh it's quite possible it has already been done and seller doesn't know

 

[dingle]

It does not "appear" to be a belt..... It IS a belt. Pretty reliable wee engine I actually own 2 of these and one with high miles, never gave a tap of bother! (yet! Lol)

That's a voice of authority right there! I'm going to try and arrange to see it today, the guy has been away for a couple of days. If anyone knows of any particular trouble spots for me to look out for let me know

 

[dingle]

Also - if this deal happens I'll be looking out for a local VAG specialist - does anyone know if Car Tech in Mallusk are any use?
I do know good mechanics but they tend to be Jap specialists.