Cambelt snapped, rebuilt engine should I buy

[448jamie]

Hi all,
Hoping for some wise advice.
I’ve seen a 2017 plate kombi for sale. 72k miles.
Owner says they’ve had the van since 2018 and bought direct from Leightons.
Says Cambelt went around three months ago and it’s now had a full engine rebuild.
Is this something to steer well clear of?
Cheers

 

[DaveD]

Welcome to the Forum!
I don't think it would put me off - if the repair has been carried out properly and the seller can provide evidence of that, it could be a good buy., if the price is right.
It's rare for a cam belt to fail at 72K miles so I'd want to verify the mileage by checking the MOT history and service history, but that's good practice on any vehicle purchase anyway.
Trust your instincts too, if you're not 100% happy with the seller and his / her story about the T6, walk away.
Good luck, whichever way it goes!

 

[Sasquatch]

TBH it could be a well executed rebuild and sweet as a nut.

But with a glut of vans to choose from I can't see why you'd take even the slightest risk. Just move on to the next.

 

[448jamie]

Thanks for your replies.
Not sure if I’m wrong but my budget is around £18k and I’m looking for a kombi.
There seem to be a lot of nicer ones over 20k or older ones. Not a lot coming up in my price range (unless I’m missing something).

 

[nedwood]

I'd be worried that the previous owner hadn't been keeping on top of basic maintenance and servicing. 18K isn't much of a budget for a Kombi, mine ( 65 plate ) cost 16K 6 years ago and I thought that was was a bit of a bargain then.
Also you really need some contingency for unforeseen repairs with a cheaper van.

 

[Howzat]

Who did the engine? VW? Any warranty on that work?
Also too old for All In cover now so as @nedwood just be prepared to fork out more in the coming months.

 

[Pauly]

I would say its critical to know who did the rebuild, what they paid, what the warranty is etc

 

[448jamie]

I would say its critical to know who did the rebuild, what they paid, what the warranty is etc

It was done at a local garage and paid £5k. All paperwork will be provided

 

[BognorMotors]

I’d want to see the full details of the rebuild and remember the engine rebuild warranty will only be with the original owner and won’t transfer to you, if it has one.

 

[448jamie]

Thanks all. I decided too much risk so have walked away.
Just seen an advert for another 2018 van.
Checking the mot history, I used the reg number in the adverts and it came up as a Nissan pathfinder. An hour later it’s showing as the correct VW van.
The MOT expired in March but is having a mot today.

Steady mileage on the mot records each year up to March 2024, it’s now on 85k so 25k in a year.

It’s a dealer, saying HPI clear and FSH, doing Cambelt, and dsg service before the sale.

Any thoughts and advice appreciated.

 

[Sasquatch]

If it was rebuilt 3 months ago following a belt failure then why would they fit a new belt now?

It smells to me like they're saying that to keep you Q.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Different van! He has moved on from the re-built one.

 

[Sasquatch]

Doh! I've done it again!

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Don't worry - it only gets worse as you get older.