2nd May 2015, 09:04
The Z14XEP 1.4i engine had a timing chain. I have just done my daughter's head gasket for her and put a new chain kit on it, including the tensioner. It is mainly the guides and tensioner that fail, not the actual chain itself. I get all my parts sent from the UK as I saved over $300 dollars in parts doing my daughter's car. They are called a Vauxhall Corsa in the UK. The Barina XC is the Corsa C; exactly the same vehicle, just different badges. I have been a fully qualified mechanic for 20 years, and these little cars are great.
12th Feb 2015, 02:38
The XC Barina's 1.4 litre engine can have either a timing belt (that requires regular changing) or a timing chain, which should last the life of the car.
I have an '05 Barina manual. I bought it late in 2013 for $5000 as a learner car for my two sons. Thus far we have had absolutely no problems with it. Despite buying it with 102000km on the clock (it now has 113000), it runs beautifully and everything (including the A/C) still works as if it was new.
Get your Holden dealer to check the engine number. That will tell if it's fitted with chain driven cams or belt driven cams.