Mark 5 VW Golf GT TDi Cambelt

[gianlucav12]

I’ve just had my 2007 Golf GT (170) MOT’d and serviced. No significant issues but the garage suggested (based on service intervals of 60k or 4 years) it might be ready for a new cam belt.

The car is daft low mileage having just gone over 60k miles. I had the cam belt changed in 2015 so understand that I’m over the 4 years suggestion. However, I’ve only done 20k in that 5 years and I’m seeing contradictory info online, and even in the service book. I’m the second owner and it had not had a new belt before I did it in ‘15.

My gut instinct is that with the low mileage and reducing value of the car I’ll take the calculated risk of running on without getting it changed again. What do folk think?

[DuraAce]

You'll wish you'd changed it if it breaks and wrecks the engine.

[PorkInsider]

Tricky one, but if d probably have it done.

It's not just the mileage, it's the age of the belt too - they do perish.

[gianlucav12]

Yeah, I do get that it’s a write-off if it goes. Context is it was my intention to tax it 6 months and sell in the summer. Erring on the side of running it on and leaving the buyer the option of whether or not to get the belt changed.

[stevemcs]

A cambelt on a Golf is just under £400 normally, is it worth the risk ? yes you might be selling it in the summer but its the difference between £150 weigh in and £1500 for a runner.

[Pistonheader101]

Take a look at the belt - if it doesn’t look too worn don’t change it

[E-bmw]

A new belt also makes it more saleable against one not having it done.

[markyb_lcy]

Another ticket for the cam belt lottery sold?

Given the damage that the belt failing can cause, I would personally always follow the service schedule for this item.