Timing Belt Life

[Stephen Biko]

Yes, the belt is rubber so it ages even if it isn't used.
Schedule is 75K miles or 6 years.
I know a fellow VX owner who's belt broke at 7 years and only ~35K miles, he had to get his engine replaced.
Don't chance it.

[PK]

Yes, the belt is rubber so it ages even if it isn't used.
Schedule is 75K miles or 6 years.
I know a fellow VX owner who's belt broke at 7 years and only ~35K miles, he had to get his engine replaced.
Don't chance it.

Why did he have to replace the engine??

Our engines are non-interference. If the timing belt breaks, you only need a new belt kit and the correct procedure to re-time the engine.

Sounds like your mate had a rip-off mechanic.

PK