My car stopped working last week and I have been told the Cam belt snapped, not knowing any of these problems actually existed on the Fiat. Can anybody tell me where and how much it would cost to get this fixed on my car. The car has only done 58,000 miles, it is an R reg automatic Fiat Marea. Any info on where to go to get this car fixed, greatly appreciated. Looking for somewhere preferably in South Wales.
Thanks

Cambelts should be replaced according to mileage or age whichever comes first, this would then apply to your car as it is approaching 8 years old on the original belt and other factors not just mileage affect the belt.

Someone from the Marea section or someone who knows the cars could tell you if any significant damage has been done i.e. bent valves etc.

What engine size is it?

Liam

It is a 1590 ELX automatic

head needs to come off for assessing.a good local garage should be able to do the job no problem.

Great, I am going to try find in Cardiff who can do the job and hopefully not get ripped off.

Is there any way of finding out if the cambelt has been done?

My car is 78k the service book the came with it is shoddy and shows nothing for last few years just the MOT's

Its had 9 owners previous to me. No record it cam belt at all :S

How Can You Tell

Moved to Marea Tech section.

There is no satisfactory way to check if the cam belt has been changed.

It is best to change them at around 50k but the book recommends 72k so unless you have had a savvy previous owner it is unlikely to have been changed. You must do the tensioner at the same time. Best to check water pump and if driven hard the clutch as well.

More info here:
http://www.fiatboo.co.uk/
Look under repair guide, the first item is a link to cambelts.