Ask an expert

I am looking at buying me a used 1994 Subary Legacy travelled 197,000km.

The previous owner has not replaced the cam belt during their ownership (only 1 year).

Is there a way to find out when the belt was last replaced and how much it would cost if it needed to be done?

Juliane

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Costs to replace the cam belt can be around the $1,000 mark depending on the exact model.

Possibly more in some cases as Subaru's are not the cheapest car to maintain unfortunately.

In most cases items such as cam belt tensioners and water pumps also need replacing at the same time which drives the costs up.

It is imperative this job is undertaken by a repairer who has the correct tools as Subaru's have a known tendency to have problems with the crankshaft pulley coming loose if the correct tools or techniques are not used.

Sometimes a sticker is placed under the bonnet giving a date and kilometre distance a cam belt was replaced. If you can find no record of the belt being replaced then do not hesitate to get it done. A broken cam belt can do serious engine damage.

At almost 200,000km's, I believe you need to be buying this car for a very good price because potentially it could cost you a lot of money.