Just got a Panda eleganza(2005 mk2)

[stayWILDliveFREE]

In love with it already, been a dream car of mine for a while (I know almost nothing about cars) Got a load of paper work with it. No cam belt change found. Was researching the engine and apparently it isn't an interference engine and if the belt snaps it does cause damage an interference engine would. Something about valves fully opening and pistons hits something when belt snaps. Is this true and why previous owner never had it done if they didn't. I only got the car this morning I read the cam belt stickers are usually stuck on inside of the door or under the belt cover. Any help would be great.

 

[ZaphodB]

and why previous owner never had it done if they didn't

Whilst I can't confirm if it's a catastrophic on your engine model , I can say generally a cam belt change is not an insubstantial repair, which costs pound notes , some owners won't have something replaced if it's not falling off the car or making a noise etc etc, and even then some people don't have serious stuff done...
(I recently saw a van with its tyres squealing like a banshee , reverse lights on, going forward, he pulled up (me thinking he's stopped because he's realised something is wrong)
I caught up with him eventually as I was walking along at the time, and said "did you know your reverse lights are on and your tyres are squealing like a stuck pig?"
"Oh yeah , it's something to do with the end rod track..... or summink ...." He hadn't got a mechanical clue but was quite happy to drive along in an unsafe vehicle.,not the same situation as yours but you get the drift.

 

[rmjbn1]

Hi and welcome

Hmm, the 60hp Euro4 1.2 FIRE used in the 169 Panda is generally considered non-interference 'safe' so unlikely to cause serious internal damage if belt fails...
...but apparently only the few very earliest 1.1 Panda engines are true freewheeling.

So I would say if there's no evidence that the timing belt has been replaced in the last 5 years, then it would be safe to assume it needs doing.

 

[rmjbn1]

Whilst you're getting to know your Panda...

Check and treat for rust:
Rear axle spring pans
Rear sills
Engine oil sump pan
Coolant return pipe in front of engine
Mud traps behind front springs

And keep the 'duckbill' scuttle drains below the wipers clear, they block easily