Timing belt and other problems

[Guest]

I took my car for a free inspection at Voldat in Melbourne Australia as part of my membership to Volvo Car Club. I just purchased it 2 months ago from used car dealer.

Voldat found the following problems:

Top engine mount bush needs to be replaced
Battery not clipped in place
Both tie end rods split

These 3 problems should not have been there in the first place since the car should not have been given a RWC (they are not problems that would suddenly show up after 2 months I was told).

They also found:

-Oil leaks (salesman assured me it had no oil leaks) requiring replacement of rear main seal unit
-Oil filter replacement non standard and therefore too big and liable to be split open if car travels over large bump
-Top spring seats have crack in them

Also there is no sticker on the engine to say the timing belt has been replaced even though it has done 150 000 kms which is suspicious.

I'm going to get it fixed ASAP and see if the car dealer will fix the problems that should never have been on a car with a RWC in the first place at half cost.

What are the risks of the timing belt suddenly breaking if it hasn't been replaced?

It is supposed to be replaced at 120 000 kms

I need to drive the car to go to work

Looking on the positive side, I'm really glad I joined the Volvo Club and got the car inspected.

The used car dealer I purchased the car from say they've been going since 1912 and describe themselves as one of the longest established and most highly respected motor vehicle retailers in Australia and has three offices throughout Melbourne (I was told its best to buy from a big place because they have a reputation to protect). Every car purchased (including mine) has an RACV pre-purchase report and comes with 3 year warranty and three years RACV membership thrown in. Unfortunately all my problems are "maintenance" and not covered by the warranty.

I expected better under the circumstances and it could cost up to $1600 to get my car roadworthy and everything fixed.

But if i'm not unlucky enough to have the timing belt suddenly go on me and destroy the engine I think I will still be quite pleased in the long run.