Can anyone here recommend anywhere in the West London / Home counties area that could do this job?

I would also have the water pump done at the same time. Unfortunately I have the engine where the tensioner has to be removed to change the pump.

It won't be for a few months yet. I will likely have it done if it passes its next MOT without any major issues.

It was last done in Feb 2016 at 105,000 miles. That was before I bought the car. It now has 135,000 miles on the clock.

I check the belt every so often for obvious signs of deterioration.

1 hour ago, AntonovAN12 said:

Can anyone here recommend anywhere in the West London / Home counties area that could do this job?

Ask Sadiq Khan, he knows everything about cars and transport 🤣

It’s only done 30k since the last change, I probably wouldn’t bother for a couple more years if your annual Milage is low and belt looks in good condition. Save your money, cost of living crisis and all that. 

23 hours ago, AntonovAN12 said:

It won't be for a few months yet. I will likely have it done if it passes its next MOT without any major issues...

Would be helpful if you do report back here if it fails the MOT, I have the same car and am always interested in what to look out for in the future...

you still have a few more years yet, every 100k miles or 10 years, you would be looking at £300 to £350 for a cambelt kit including water pump

Thanks for the replies.

The Haynes Manual says every 100,000 Miles or 8 years. That seems like Ford intended the belt to last the average lifespan of the car.

In the past I am sure I have seen an interval of 100,000 Miles or 10 years for the factory original belt, and 60,000 miles or 8 years for any replacement. I can't remember where I saw that or if it is actually correct. 

After the last MOT, I asked my local small independent garage / MOT station that I have been using for a few years how much they would charge. I seem to remember they quoted 2 Hours labour at £75/hour plus VAT.

It may have been 3 hours. £75/hr seems to be the standard rate for independents in the London area nowadays.

 

 

'ow much? 😮

Cambelt interval depends on year on the 1.6 petrol.  It is 100k/8 years on a 2006 model.

They increased the labour costs to £75/Hr at the beginning of this year. This was apparently to cover increasing costs. That price may be including VAT. It was a while back so I would have to confirm again. 

Apparently £76 per hour (inc VAT) is now the UK national average according to this source from April 2023.

https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/revealed-the-cheapest-and-most-expensive-garage-labour-rates-across-uk/282688

I have done a few timing belts myself before. However these were types where the engine had keyed sprockets, timing marks, and a torque wrench was the only special tool required.