Advice needed, when considering buying a non runner...

[butterfly84]

Hi,

Ive seen an 04 renault scenic, which is a non runner due to the timing belt being knackered, according to the garage.

It's a bargain for it's age etc, but how much would a timing belt cost for this car? and what if by it snapping it has caused other problems, i always thought if a timing belt snapped, it totally effed your engine??

What advice would you give? or would you avoid it completely?

Cheers in advance

[Ricky_M]

Allow enough in your budget for a new engine!

I was always under the impression that when a timing belt went, it usually destroys the valves aswell!

[Baffled Spoon]

It would be hard to know the extent of damage without taking the head off. At best, the car could have a non-interference engine (unlikely) which will mean a new timing belt is all that is needed. More likely is you will have a load of bent valves and a knackered head, maybe even further damage like pistons etc.

Also, don't forget to factor in the fact you will need to pay for moving the car about somehow, and the costs can quickly add up unless you can get the work done cheaply, or do it yourself.

[butterfly84]

Oooo,I don't know enough about cars etc to bother with the hassle and worry that as soon as I got it to a garage it would cost me thousands!

thank you for the quick replies!