Hi,

Am new to this board. Have just taken the plunge and bought a 99V Marea with 68 on the clock, as a second car for my partner. I think the Marea is a stunning car considering their cost, and cannot understand why they go for peanuts.

I know all of the issues around changing the cambelt and so am keen to get this done asap. Fortunately I only have the 1.6 engine and so do not believe will have the same issues as the 20v owners.

Have contacted my local Fiat dealer who are quoting £308 all in for just the belt change, or £530 all in for the full 72k service. Does anyone have any comments on these figures, or alternative suggestions re garages (I am in Essex but prepared to travel)?

Thanks in advance,

D.

Hi,
Welcome to the forum

The Marea is excellent value second hand. They were aimed at the Vectra/Mondeo market but Fiat got the marketing wrong and made the Marea too small. Because of this they devalue very quickly from new.

Parts will cost about £100 for service and £90 for belt and tensioner. The labour sounds a bit high but i'm not sure what prices are like down there. I would ring around and get some more quotes just to be happy.

The cambelt is quite easy on the 1.6 compared to the 2.0. Mine cost £1036 with rear shocks, (£80).

Good luck and let us know how you get on

<h5><font color="black">Dave.
Marea HLX 2.0 20v</h5><h6>Airbox with attitude[8D] Now only getting 22.2mpg
Blue Momo Tomahawk Gear Knob, Momo Alu H/brake, Blue stuff
Ecotek fitted, removed and waiting for warm weather.
So much to do, so little time.... and Totally Skint!! </h6></font id="black">