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I have a year 2000 Daihatsu Pyzar GRV that has travelled 92000kms and goes very well. However I am told it requires a new cam belt, tensioner, water pump, cam seal, crank seal, antifreeze plus 5 hours labour. That all comes to just over $610.
Does that seem like a fair price and are there cars that do not need cam belts changed?
It would be good to have a car that does not need such a high cost.
Colin
From the "Ask Jack" archives - 15 August 2009
The price you have been quoted does not surprise me and reflects similar costs with other Makes and Models fitted with cam belts. There are some Makes / Models where the replacement cam belt costs are a lot higher (and some a bit lower).
Almost every one of the main stream manufacturers fitted cam belts to their engines from the late 1980's up to recent times. A rubber belt was / is a very efficient way to connect the two main shafts in the engine (crankshaft and camshaft) together.
The downside unfortunately is they have a limited life span and when they break there is usually large amounts of damage to the engine.
In recent years a high number of manufacturers have realised the ongoing high maintenance costs was having an effect on customer loyalty and there was a need to produce a car with less maintenance costs and to maintain long term reliability.
To achieve this a chain has been fitted to most new cars you can purchase today to replace the cam belt. A chain is maintenance free and has no service replacement period. Modern engineering techniques and materials have allowed for the introduction of a chain as a replacement for the rubber belt.
It is not a given that every new car has a chain but more and more manufacturers are fitting them as new models come on stream.
If you are considering replacing the Pyzar always ask the salesperson about maintenance costs. Mazda for example pay for the service costs for up to three years or a stipulated number of services when you purchase their product new or on some second hand models (depending on age / odometer reading).