Technical Panda Multijet timing chain

[Longway]

I have a 2007 Panda Multijet with 53k miles and was wondering if there is a recommended interval / mileage for renewing the chain.
Should I be concerned yet, only just bought the car and don't fancy a large bill changing it at the moment

 

[Longway]

Silly me, just seen a previous thread on the subject

 

[Wee Smurf]

I'd leave it another while if I was in your position.

 

[The Beard]

I had mine done at 82,000 which might be leaving a little late, but I could hear a rattle start quite clearly at low speeds and revs.

Although the work on mine cost about £900, that did include a service, new EGR valve and sump, which was about £200 on its own. I've not got the bill to hand, but I don't think the camchain part of it was about £200 including parts from an Italian car specialist in Cheshire.

 

[Longway]

I do hear little noises on tick over and when setting off but can't decide if that's just normal for a small diesel engine, or maybe its just me being a bit paranoid.

I could do with finding a trustworthy Fiat mechanic in my area

 

[captainslarty]

I do hear little noises on tick over and when setting off but can't decide if that's just normal for a small diesel engine, or maybe its just me being a bit paranoid.

I could do with finding a trustworthy Fiat mechanic in my area

Unfortunately, the words 'Trustworthy' and 'Fiat mechanic' are not a natural combination.....
I personally believe you should have levels of faith in garages / mechanics -
Let them change the oil and dirty jobs, anything technical trust to a main dealer -
Also, if a 'mechanic' does a job for you, then ensure that he buys GENUINE parts for the vehicle if the job is something like timing chain etc. most will get some chinese crap from the local motor factor or an ebay 'special' - it will cost you dearly in most cases.
The alleged mechanics often want to rip you both ways rip you on labour costs, AND on paying top wack for crap parts.
Fiat may well rip you, but at least it should be genuine quality parts.

 

[Longway]

Unfortunately, the words 'Trustworthy' and 'Fiat mechanic' are not a natural combination.....
I personally believe you should have levels of faith in garages / mechanics -
Let them change the oil and dirty jobs, anything technical trust to a main dealer -
Also, if a 'mechanic' does a job for you, then ensure that he buys GENUINE parts for the vehicle if the job is something like timing chain etc. most will get some chinese crap from the local motor factor or an ebay 'special' - it will cost you dearly in most cases.
The alleged mechanics often want to rip you both ways rip you on labour costs, AND on paying top wack for crap parts.
Fiat may well rip you, but at least it should be genuine quality parts.

I agree with you totally, I've had lots of experience of being ripped off by mechanics /plumbers / electricians / builders etc, seems the pride of doing a good quality honest job has long since disappeared and at the end of the day they have a living to make and bills to pay, small tasks like oil changes I can do myself, but that's about my limit, and I agree in some ways the main dealers offer the best option at a price

 

[captainslarty]

I fear sir that the apparent complexity of modern vehicles far surpasses the mental ability of the average back street mechanic..
Most of them are still looking for dizzy caps and points... (and that's on a diesel lol )
Some will call themselves 'Italian Specialists' (that translates to they rode a moped in Milan on holiday once - and / or they have seen 'The Godfather')

Basically if they have not got full diagnostic facilities for the vehicle in question - walk away - and, most indeed, do not have said equipment.

People confuse the 'nice chap' at the garage with 'competent mechanical engineer' - unfortunately.

It is one of the great mysteries of the universe - finding a reliable and knowledgeable mechanic / engineer - word of mouth is virtually useless as it is mostly a case of the blind leading the blind.
'tis a difficult one...

 

[Wee Smurf]

It's a job I'd now recommend only going to the dealer for. I got mine changed by a specialist and the guides failed within a year and as a result I ended up with a rather large bill.

 

[Longway]

Talking of mechanics, when I had my diesel Vectra, I decided to try save a few quid and change the oil, and both oil & fuel filter myself, not a good idea, ended up air locking the thing and spent ages getting it going, did so by removing part of air intake and squirting in some easy start which worked but also triggered off the engine management light on the dash, The car run fine but I just needed to get the error cleared to remove the warning light.
Well I took it to this garage who did a diagnostics check on the computer, they called me up and baffled me with science and said they would fix for £284 + VAT, I said no thanks just reset the error and I'll see if comes on again, which it never did as I knew. Still cost me £50 for a 2 minute job though