I don't know about that. I own a 1997 850-R and have owned a 1994 base model 850, both of which have performed very well through a combined 111,000 miles, 75,000 on the 97 and 36,000 on the 94.

As for the timing belt issue, when people bring their cars in with a broken timing belt, which usually causes $$$ in engine work, the reason is usually one of several things:

1. They know nothing about cars, did not follow the service manuel for maintenance, relying on someone else to tell them when to do what--low and behold, a key component to the engine breaks (the timing belt) because nobody said anything to them, and now the engine's reputation is on the line for no reason other than a lack of education on how to maintain that engine properly.

2. They do know something about cars and tried to push the life of the timing belt and caught one in the behind for it.

3. Their timing belt failed prematurely do to no fault of the owner, simply bad luck.

Following the maintenance guide for any car will extend its life. Don't follow it and its life is short.

Personally, after 75,000 miles, my car is still running like it did new. I do not agree with your mechanic, but he is entitled to his opinion.

Just my opinion
Rick in Denver