(Repost from General Discussions as only one reply!)

To try to keep a long story short!

Recently bought a 5 year old Daihatsu Charade with 25K miles. The service
record was fully stamped up and the dealer assured me it had been well
looked after etc etc by a local owner and fully serviced by a local,
reliable, garage.

When I got it home I noticed the service schedule stated the cam belt should
be changed at 60K or 5 years so it should have been changed at this years
service. I checked with the selling garage and it hadn't been. I think
he should do it; needless to say he doesn't! His argument is that it is an
'optional' service item and upto the owner. I argue that despite the
service stamp, it had not been fully serviced to the manufacturers schedule
and therefore was not as described by implication. (I do not believe the
dealer intentionally mislead me). I do feel I paid (slightly) over the top
for the car but was 'sold' on the reliability of a small dealer and full 6
month warranty but I don't feel like spending more now.

Have I got a case against the dealer who sold me the car. Indeed should I
worry as the car has only done 25K and cambelts don't deteriorate with age
(his argument, not mine). My last conversation with him resulted in the
manager (owner) agreeing to go halves; on the one hand I don't feel I
should, on the other hand I don't want the hassle of small claims court!
Should I just forget it and renew the belt in a couple of years or so
(mileage will be low)?

Many thanks for any opinions or advice.