Please pardon me if this is an old issue, but:

The manual for my '96 850 says replace the timing belt at 70K mi. the odomoter reads 63. My mechanic, however, told me about a customer with an earlier model whose belt failed catastrophically a couple of thousand shy of the mileage spec, but got zilch from VCNA because the car was 6 or 7 years old.

Does this comport with reality? Should I replace my belt now?

Thanks in advance.

The service tech told us there are a lot of corners you could cut with Volvo if you wanted to, but to NOT mess with that one! Since you are so close to 70k, do it and get it over with and not have to worry about it going any day.

A couple people here have also mentioned it is a good idea to change after
5 years. Our 95 855 just turned 60K and I've been meaning to do this
myself (for at least 6 months, now).

It's up to you. Personally I believe it should be changed every 70,000 miles or 5 years. Since you are at 6 years now it might not be a bad idea.

--
Nathan Valles, Black 855R, Tint