UK Car Repair: Aux belt, engine valve, valve train

Question
Bill

I am planning to buy a second hand vauxhall VX220 turbo from a dealer in Cheshire. I went to see it the other night and it is pristine. It is a 2003 model with the 2.0L turbo engine from the Astra/Vectra GSI. I was told it is awaiting dealer input because it needs a new aux belt for the engine!!

I am worried I should avoid this car, Is the aux belt the "timing belt" and if so does that mean if it has gone at high speed/revs that the head and valves in the engine could be seriously damaged due to them coming into contact when un-synchronised?

I want this car but not if it needs a full engine/valve-train re-build! I have put down a refundable deposit (awaiting test drive).

What should I look out for when I test drive it and should I ask the main dealer about what happened during the repair?

Any advice would be magic bill, thanks a lot!

Scott Murray

Answer
Hi
The auxillary drive belt is what used to be called the fan belt. It drives the power steering, air con, alternater etc.
Shouldnt be any damage.
Its always good to ask what happened.... ask them why it failed.
The 2.0l is a pretty good engine, just make sure it is serviced properly and it should be OK.
Regards.