I bought a V70 with 145K on it....Took it to the local shop and he told me the timing belt really needed to be changed....but that there was no visible sign of any wear. It was last changed in July 2002, with 75K. The guy who had it before me looks to have taken really good care, as the mechanic said it was in good shape...Having just shelled out a bit for the car, I don't readily have the cash needed to replace the timing belt, tensioners, and pulleys...not to mention the brakes, and the O2 sensor.

I have done some research, and most say to change the timing belt at 70K intervals, but then some say it can go 5 years or so.

I love the car, but am afraid to drive it right now...because Volvo go bye bye if timing belt breaks...

Is my fear justified? My wife thinks I am being paranoid...

If I decided to do it myself, how hard is it (on a scale of 1 to 10)?

The parts look to cost me around $250 or so for the kit....does that sound about right?

Sorry for all the questions..I just really, really love the car so far and don't want to take any uneccessary chances.

 

Did you see the belt yourself?

If it has any cracks at all I would replace it.
But if it looks good and rubbery then it can go a little more.
I would inspect the tensioner and idler. If it looks like there is grease coming out onto the side of the pulley where the Bearing meets it replace it.

Some cars I have seen 90k on a belt and it looked new.
I have seen cars with 45k and it looks like the belt is going to break.

 

On something as critical as a timing belt, I think you've really got to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. There's just too much at risk. If you push it past that, you're taking a $3000 gamble to save $300 that you'll eventually have to spend either way. A lot of people say its a DIY job, but it depends on your skill level. There's not a lot of room to work in there and there is no room for error as the cam gears must line up perfectly. You might be able to save a little cash by buying the parts from fcpgroton or something and asking your mechanic to install them for you so you just pay labor.

I'm coming up on 140K and I plan on bringing it to my mechanic to have it done. I'd rather pay the $300 than have my wife say I told you so! That already happened once with my "I know I can fix this scratch by repainting the quarter panel myself" adventure. That turned into a $300 'I told you so'. The timing belt would be a $3000 'I told you so'! No thanks!