Another Cambelt question...

[JRobbo]

Basically, My car has just hit 73K and it hasn't had a cambelt changed, not long had the car but i know the owners and they said they themselves have never had it done. I am very aware that it needs doing, how much should i be looking at, it's a 1.2 03 Clio 16v. thanks

 

[Beef-Mc]

I paid £270 from a main dealer, so expect half of that from a specialist.

 

[JRobbo]

I was offered £200 from a local dealer, that was for my breaks to be looked at as well because they were squeaking, is this a good price ??

 

[is1]

Basically, My car has just hit 73K and it hasn't had a cambelt changed, not long had the car but i know the owners and they said they themselves have never had it done. I am very aware that it needs doing, how much should i be looking at, it's a 1.2 03 Clio 16v. thanks

If you're in Leamington, give Fred at BTM Performance a call. Based near Brum airport. Call him as he is a very busy man and you'll get a straight quick answer.

07769712624
01217836692
Fred@btmperformance.com

If you're that close, it's a no-brainer. I have a cherished car and he is the only person I have work on it.
TIP: Don't buy the kit yourself. The traders don't like fitting belts bought by customers because it's messy if there is a warranty claim.

 

[G3 NYX]

I paid £380, for all belts, tensioner, pump and full service.

Get the water pump done with the cam belt, will make a bit more but saves hassle in the future!

 

[JRobbo]

What is it that i will need doing ??

 

[mr.pink87]

Timing belt kit (belt and tensioner), waterpump and aux belt. A good service (filters, oil, spark plugs) might be useful aswell.

 

[is1]

What is it that i will need doing ??

Probably cambelt kit, auxiliary belt kit, waterpump plus if you need any basic servicing while it's in (oil, filter, air filter .....).
Take advice from Fred on it. Pretty much everyone on here does and he knows these cars inside out.
I think he should just about be back from his recent vacation.

 

[JRobbo]

Okay, i'll give him a ring i work in Birmingham, how long does he take ? I was offered £200 that was for breaks as well, is this a good price, i just asked about the cambelt. not too sure :/

 

[is1]

Not sure how long he would take for your car, mine's a 2 litre 182 (and that is a dog of a job apparently).
Yours should be easier.
Best to call him and see how you feel in relation to the respective prices (his and the dealer's). Gives you a chance to quiz him on what else he thinks you need.
He is very trustworthy given that most people are nervous about car garages. Just go with what he says.
I don't vouch for many people in life but he's OK! I sent my sister in law to him for a cambelt and waterpump, pads/discs all round, replacing a rear spring on her Megane. She knows nothing about cars and she was absolutely over the moon with the service (and cost!).

 

[Rob]

Call Fred. He's a good chap and will take a look at your brakes no hassle.

 

[JRobbo]

Okay, i'm just going call him then, everyone here seems to rate him thanks, i'll let you know how i get on

 

[MicKPM]

Fred's not bad for a ginger bloke (hehehe, he's not really ginger). You'll deffo get a good service from him but if you're looking for comparisons I charge £180 for the timing belt, water pump and coolant change on a 1.2 16v using genuine parts, book stamped, paperwork and warranty.

Just because we're independents we're not automatically 50% cheaper - Sometimes we can really beat down prices but to do a job right with quality parts isn't always cheap and i'd warn you off anyone compromising on cheaper parts, such as £11 water pumps!

Mick