The cheap solution in my opinion is if it works don't fix it, and if it breaks, wait until the belt is due for replacement.[/QUOTE]
Thank you, sounds sensible & logical to me, I'm all for preventative maintenance whereby neglect WILL cost BUT chucking out sound bits grates with my personality. Leave well alone imo. I wonder too how long a cam belt will really last, especially on a sensibly driven car. Mine did break before I bought it (100+K miles) but renewing the valves which were possibly tired did it a favour.
It ocurred to me that because the B is a "cherished car" the maintenance advice here will always err a touch on the UNGREEN solution ie renew renew. Whereas if it was a Punto (some same bits) who'd bother.