(T) Easy way to check if Cambelt is worn ?

Hi All

just found the furom and read loads of info allready

I am probably buying a merea 2.0 20v tommorrow but unfortuantly the guy who owns the cars doesn`t know if theres been a cambelt cange done recenty its done 81000 miles so i guess it has had one change would it be due for another and is there a easy way i can check it before buying?

the car is mint condition on a R plate (first reg week before S plate) and it`ll cost me £750 (does this sound a good price) he has reciepts for new exhuast & clutch but none for a cambelt

if there is a easy way to check please let me know as i will have to drive 130 mile back home first (then i can check at home).

Thanks in advance for any replies.

If you haven't got any service or garage records then it may never have had a cambelt change. There's no way to tell just by looking at the belt and it's the timing belt tensioner ( the roller bearing) tensioning the belt that seizes and that throws the belt off or chews it up. It ought to be changed if it's 5 years old regardless of mileage

If you don't know the history then it could be about to go any day now. Sorry but there's no way I could live with that and I would have to have the belt and tensioner renewed