Yours isn't a VEA. Don't know why but it looks like the VEA cambelt costs more to replace.

So, I have looked on the Volvo service price indicator. Because they recently changed the cambelt service interval it is not as straightforward as plugging in my current mileage because the new interval for replacement falls on a minor service at 90k miles rather than a major service at 144k miles. The minor service and cambelt change cost (inc aux belts) is £855. The difference between a major and minor service is £180. Therefore my quote of £1000 is there or thereabouts. The cost for the cambelt change on its own is approx £580.

Curious why the aux belts would be unnecessary.
IF they are easiest done at the same time, then surely doing them would make sense.
Of course, I've no idea what aux belts actually are, so don't pay too much attention to me :D

Wow, didn't know that newer car could be that more expensive where regular maintenance is taken into account.

I should not be that surprised though - I do recall notice on the wall @ VOLVO West London seen earlier this year indicating two different prices for air-con service: for cars up to 2015 (£129, I think), and from 2015 onwards (£199).

Draw your own conclusions...

On the gas, it's a simple conclusion! The newer car uses a more expensive environmental friendly gas due to what is allowed these days.

Extortionate price... Don't pay it! Go to an Independent Volvo Specialist if possible & they'll do the same job at a fraction of the cost using genuine parts. Alternatively, go to a trusted garage & ask them to do the work using genuine parts, or buy them yourself & ask them to fit them for you.

It makes sense to change the aux belts & tensioner whilst the timing is being done & it would be peace of mind for you taking the mileage on the vehicle into consideration.

I have done a couple of Vauxhall Omega V6 cambelts with waterpump. Being a DOHC V6 means 4 camshafts - so quite a complex setup. However, I only attempted it due to masses of info on how to do it via online forums supporting an engine which was well out of dealer service & into DIY territory. This worked well & forum members would loan each other the locking kits etc with loads of advice & help being there if needed. So, would I do it on my 5 cyl Volvo engine. Not without that level of support being available no. I’m only on 30k miles on a 17 plate anyway, so many years from needing a cambelt doing - & will probably have sold the car by then anyway.

Cheers

You are correct it would be madness not to change both at the same time.

Just like to add, Main dealer have widely varied price.

Cheapest main dealer quote I found £420 Cambelt + Aux belt + tensioner + £200 essential service

Cheapest Independent Quote £766 for the same Job.

Curious which main dealer and Indy you found for these.

Coming up to 6 years next month....but still under 80k miles - a combination of using our Kona EV more these days, plus COVID: getting about 3 weeks per gallon on the Volvo ;)

Pretty sure the main dealer told me I happily/safely consider leaving them another year when I’m nearer 90k Miles.....might put that expense off another year...