Timing belt or chain

[Turquoisesky1]

Couldn’t find a car section
just wondering if anyone knows about cars specifically automatic cars
which is better to go for one with a timing belt or timing chain ?

thank you

Whether a car is automatic is irrelevant to the timing.

I wouldnt make this your primary buying criteria, both require maintenance and eventual replacement and are catastrophic if they fail.

Pick a car that has been maintained properly and keep maintaining it

My timing chain slipped recently in my car, approximately 3 hours before I was to drop it to the mechanic to have it replaced😥 cue needing a new engine block plus numerous new parts at a cost of over a couple of thousand €
😥
Timing chains were an issue with the particular year of my car so mine has actually been replaced already, before it really should have milage wise.
So long story short my advice, as a result of having talked belts/chains/engines a LOT recently would be to go for timing chain, they last much longer so are way more economical, issues with them become apparent before it's too late. Only downside really is that chains lend to a noisier engine as opposed to belts.

ok So either is ok really as long as full service history?
also Im coming across sealed gearboxes where they say you don’t need to change the transmission oil ever, does this sound normal ? I’m looking at 16 plate used automatic cars

Yep, either is ok so long as full service history is there.
Sorry can't help with the other queries.

My families timing belt has just gone on their Audi. Was done 3 yrs ago, but because of the type of journeys they make and age or car, prob should have been done after 2.
just spent over £2k to get engine sorted as cannot afford to replace their car.

in relation to automatics, please tell me it isn’t a Ford? I had a 4yr old dealer serviced automatic from new, took every manufacturer guideline service and the auto box leaked and car wouldn’t move:
a £4K repair job which Ford didn’t want to know about; even though a known issue: so I got it bodge fixed and chucked it in. (14yrs ago, so not recent car)
Have had BMWs ever since (auto) never, ever had any issues.
Husband has Mercs, again autos and never had issues with his either:
I will never, ever touch a Ford car again.

either is ok really as long as full service history?

Service history is important but some things need replacing at particular intervals regardless. Eg, the timing belt on my car will need replacing when the car is 10 years old (or 200k miles). You need to factor that in to your future costs.

No I’m not looking at getting a Ford, anything else too many people I know has issues with eco boom .
looking at Kia but they have sealed gearbox I’ve been told , so can’t change the transmission oil meant to last a lifetime but I’m not so sure as far as I knew oil needed changing every few years so unsure

constantly being told that the timing chain needs replacing every x miles otherwise the engine blow up. just make sure a mechanic give your advice and not a bloke in the pub1

I really wouldn't focus on that. If there is a model
You like I would research online any known issues particular to that model, owners forums are a great starting point. And I'd look at their reliability. Personally I would look to Volvo, Honda, Toyota. And I would avoid Mercedes, VW, Nissan (in particular avoid Nissan autos). I'm basing this on my limited experience handling warranty claims at a small car supermarket.

Look for decent service history, and contrary to a lot of opinions I would not buy a car with ridiculously low miles, just the low side of average miles. Not being used is not good for an engine.