Is there a way to inspect the condition of the timing belt? My '96 850 wagon has 310 kmiles on it (30 kmiles overdue), and I'm not sure I want to spend $600 to replace it. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Bernie

1996 850, 310 kmiles
2007 V70, 120 kmiles

If the car is essentially sound (rear main seal is okay, air conditioning works, engine is reasonable on its oil consumption) then every day you drive this car is another day you are putting money in the bank.

If you put $600 into the car every four or five months, so what! To buy a new car, or another used car (which is an unknown quantity) you'd easily be spending that much money over the life of the expenditure--likely a whole lot more.

Thanks for all the feedback. Car is generally in good shape (no A/C though!). 'Will go ahead and spend the $600 on replacing the belt, pump, tensioner. I've checked around, and this is apparently what the going cost is.

Bernie

Actually, $600 is a good price around here. I hope they use good quality antifreeze.

As to your AC, it could be a combination of low r134a and compressor clutch needing shims. Of course, lowering the left front and right rear windows works wonders...

Keep it running!

Klaus
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic

BZ,

Can't recall, but isn't the interval is what every 70 kmiles or 7 years, so at 310 you are way overdo. I'd buy the kit and do it myself, it's pretty straightforward on a 96, I just did my 97. Unfortunately, it's just the cost of being in the game. Alternatively, as suggested sell/donate car before belt breaks or you'll have a parts car.

Donate the car to charity before the belt breaks or buy an AAA card so you will get a tow. If the belt breaks, you will have a $500 parts car.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic

The other question is the age of the belt.

If you look at your maintenance book you will see that all items are rated for mileage and time.

I think that your belt is 7 years.

Is this post meant to be a joke?
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 485,000 miles put on 9 bricks

Looks like a joke or some Troll.

Get other quotes for the T-belt or do it yourself and save.

If your belt snaps, you'll be looking at a nasty, way more expensive job;
The original Timing belt job, plus rebuilding a busted cylinder head/valves.

It's a good idea to consider a new water pump, tensioner and other high mortality parts when doing the T-belt.