D

DenverDude2002

New Member
Just got a 2002 Freelander with 98k miles, been doing research on it and it says at 72k all 3 timing belts need to be replaced. Now the dealer quoted 1700 usd to do this, and I cant afford it since i'm still paying off the vehicle. How screwed am i by not having this done asap? one dealer said hes never seen one break, the other said have it on a trailer and don't drive it. The vehicle is clean and i can tell has been well maintained, just don't know if i want to/can add another 2k to a 5k loan at 15% interest. I'm only doing highway driving with it and don't know how panicked i should be.

thanks for any help
 
Without a doubt the Timing Belts should be replaced as scheduled. A belt failure will cost a damned site more than the belt replacement cost.

US$1500 does seem a bit expensive though.
 
Its a bit like the Hoover vacuum products introducing rubber belts that need serviced every so often. That way you are over a barrel.

The belts are well within service limits at 72k, more than likely they are tested to withstand more than this. Its not like they will go pop at exactly 72k.
They also advise you to change the belts every 4 years or mileage limit whatever comes first. I have another low mileage vehicle that is 7 years old and the belts are like new, plus its not like they have an expiry date stamped on them.

when you get a chance best to get them changed for peace of mind.

It seems that people have had belts snapping when harsh de-acceleration down through the gears, so I wouldnt chuck it down the gears.
 
People that really know often change them before the recommended interval,esp on TDI's.If it breaks then what do you do ? Why dont you sell it and buy a car you can afford to run.
 
Come on Eightinavee...

Its costing 1700 usd, thats hardly affordable by anyones budget, even Mad Hat man, he's got more money than sense and he has a lot of sense.

The belts should ideally be changed when recommended, but those who really know, know its just the dealers chance to make more money.
 
Hi,

You state: Just got a 2002 Freelander with 98k miles, been doing research on it and it says at 72k etc...

Isn't it possible to check at the dealer whether these belts have been changed at 72k by the previous owner since the car is clean and was well maintained ??
 
Damned good thinking Willo! Also previous owner might have bills is poss to contact them? Better these paths first than forking out if totally unnecessary.
 
LR1796 said:
Come on Eightinavee...

Its costing 1700 usd, thats hardly affordable by anyones budget, even Mad Hat man, he's got more money than sense and he has a lot of sense.

The belts should ideally be changed when recommended, but those who really know, know its just the dealers chance to make more money.
Click to expand...
So buy a car you can afford or find a garage that will do it for sensible money.I'm fed up with hearing sob stories from people who do little else than work out the monthly repayments on a loan for the flashiest car they can think of.Then when it needs a service or a couple of tyres its a major drama and its everyone elses fault.A very good friend of mine is an RAC patrolman,(one of the best technicians I've ever met,even offered him a job) he is constantly amazed at the number of car owners who admit they NEVER have their car serviced.DONT blame garages for all the costs - look before you leap.And yes belts do need changing.
 
willo said:
Hi,

You state: Just got a 2002 Freelander with 98k miles, been doing research on it and it says at 72k etc...

Isn't it possible to check at the dealer whether these belts have been changed at 72k by the previous owner since the car is clean and was well maintained ??
Click to expand...

Great detective work Poirot :D

eightinavee said:
So buy a car you can afford or find a garage that will do it for sensible money.I'm fed up with hearing sob stories from people who do little else than work out the monthly repayments on a loan for the flashiest car they can think of.Then when it needs a service or a couple of tyres its a major drama and its everyone elses fault.A very good friend of mine is an RAC patrolman,(one of the best technicians I've ever met,even offered him a job) he is constantly amazed at the number of car owners who admit they NEVER have their car serviced.DONT blame garages for all the costs - look before you leap.And yes belts do need changing.
Click to expand...

Fair point..Right you heard the man, get those belts changed ASAP ;)
 
Ellow willo!

I noticed yer not postin many piccys lately :eek:

Wots up, they confiscate yer camera when yer get yer bus pass ?:D :p
 
Buy a workshop manual and a set of spanners and I think you'll have a fair bit of change out of 1700 of your dollars.
 
mondo said:
Ellow willo!

I noticed yer not postin many piccys lately :eek:

Wots up, they confiscate yer camera when yer get yer bus pass ?:D :p
Click to expand...

Would you be brave enough to post more pics when you saw some of the ming's inputs ? I'm no partisan of getting scalped the first time he comes over to the continent you know, and with an intergallactic spaceship as his' it's done in no time, so ..... (let alone the idea he brings porky along......) Scares the sh... out of me you know. (sh.. stands for shine;)). Take care.
 
willo said:
Would you be brave enough to post more pics when you saw some of the ming's inputs ? I'm no partisan of getting scalped the first time he comes over to the continent you know, and with an intergallactic spaceship as his' it's done in no time, so ..... (let alone the idea he brings porky along......) Scares the sh... out of me you know. (sh.. stands for shine;)). Take care.
Click to expand...
. . . .gulp;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

favoretti
L322 2002 M62 vanos engine timing
Replies
7
Views
2K
favoretti
favoretti
Rob4x40
L322 TD6 transmission adventures
Replies
13
Views
3K
badfluffy
badfluffy
Ol'Wolf
Hello from Coors Country
Replies
3
Views
608
Hippo
Hippo
jamesa
  • Poll
£2K quote for repairs after first MOT/Service - is this reasonable!?
Replies
15
Views
2K
Marmaduke
Marmaduke
MiddleAgedDirtBag
Rear facing seats - is this a daft idea?
2
Replies
20
Views
2K
TheMegaMan
TheMegaMan