Ask an expert

My 1993 Libero has travelled 150k and the cambelt is due for replacement.

There are some bubbling rust spots in the roof panel and was wondering if this rust is likely to become a Warrant of Fitness issue?

With the cambelt due should I look at replacing the car?

Kay

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 3 April 2010

Rust in this area is definitely a Warrant of Fitness check item so it may be wise to ask your local panel beater to provide an estimate on the repair cost (to a WoF standard) as the first step.

The other important point to remember is replacing the cam belt is often only half the financial cost of the total job cost.

Most repairers will recommend water pump and cam belt tensioner replacement along with possible work to the cooling system. It's a job which can snowball cost wise very quickly.

Sounds like the repairs (rust and mechanical) have the potential to cost you almost the value of the car itself (or more).

Get some prices (estimates) first and then decide what is the best course of action.