Firsly apologies for posting about something that seems to have been done to death on here before...& before you start shouting, I have searched the various threads...but that's just left me even more confused about when, what & how much !

When? - is this now 4years regardless of mileage (only done 23k, but letter dropped thro' the door today from Skoda suggesting it might be due !) ? If this is so, I'll get it done, I am not a gambler - so why start now ! - even tho' I am still considering changing soon.

What ? - Cambelt and Water pump...I also see reference to a whole Skoda kit (including bolts, pulleys etc) - is this the best bet/VFM?

How much? - this seems to vary widely from £150 to £600 according to the various posts. I am in Aberdeen, so not the cheapest, but hopefully not the most expensive either !

Firsly apologies for posting about something that seems to have been done to death on here before...& before you start shouting, I have searched the various threads...but that's just left me even more confused about when, what & how much !

When? - is this now 4years regardless of mileage (only done 23k, but letter dropped thro' the door today from Skoda suggesting it might be due !) ? If this is so, I'll get it done, I am not a gambler - so why start now ! - even tho' I am still considering changing soon.

What ? - Cambelt and Water pump...I also see reference to a whole Skoda kit (including bolts, pulleys etc) - is this the best bet/VFM?

How much? - this seems to vary widely from £150 to £600 according to the various posts. I am in Aberdeen, so not the cheapest, but hopefully not the most expensive either !

As far as i know its 4 years or 60k whichever comes first. I had my belt and water pump replaced about 3 weeks ago at my local dealer and the cost was £456 including vat.

When? - is this now 4years regardless of mileage (only done 23k, but letter dropped thro' the door today from Skoda suggesting it might be due !) ? If this is so, I'll get it done, I am not a gambler - so why start now ! - even tho' I am still considering changing soon.

as my vrs is 3 years old and done 70k, i know the cambelt is due this year, rang skoda and they have told me, its 4 years and 95k on a pd engine. i will be having mine done in the summer, when its 3 and a half years and 80ish k, cost will be £250 at a indy garage, skoda charge about £450

Ouch ! Thanks guys - off to call them now to see what the story is - cost etc.

Can't say I wasn't warned...£486 in vat for labour, belt kit & pump. Whootcha !

Oh well, hadn't factored that into my calcs when I was deciding whether to keep the car or not. But reading all the posts on here, I think it's a no brainer.

I guess I have been very fortunate in terms of what the car has cost me to run over the last three years - until recently just the usual fuel, tax, service, MOTs etc. Nothing too expensive.

But I've certainly splashed out of late, although most of it is forward planning of sorts - extended warranty £500ish, £300 service plan, £500 winter tyres and £500+ next week by the time I pay for the MOT & cambelt change...hope to hell it doesn't need anything for the MOT.

I started a Thread on this. I am not saying that it doesn't need changing after 4 years, mine will be changed, but if you trawl through the servicing schedule of what gets done and when It mentions no time limit on the Cambelt

Off the top of my head (Books in the car) I think it states 190,000Kms only or 150,000

Ring Skoda and they say 4 years but the service Book doesn't

Edited 2 February, 201115 yr by Auric Goldfinger

On the subject of cam belts, does anyone know if the 1.6 fsi engine (2005 / 2006) has a belt or chain?

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Jon.

Ours changed at 4 years under 30k miles. Simple answer is the service book was printed before the change and the printed word is not dynamic its fixed at time of print :-)

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I heard that all the Kent Police Skodas are only done at 90k miles, regardless of age. I did mine at 4 years and about 55k for peace of mind but it sounds like it's not much of gamble to take it past the 4 year age deadline and stick to mileage limits.

Cost wise the £450 mark seems the average for cambelt kit and water pump change at a decent indy.

It seems we are damned if we do & (maybe) damned if we don't !

I am not going to take the chance, it just means the potential for changing my car is well & truly out the window now, too much spent of late.

It seems we are damned if we do & (maybe) damned if we don't !

I am not going to take the chance, it just means the potential for changing my car is well & truly out the window now, too much spent of late.

Where you planning to get it done Harv

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I heard that all the Kent Police Skodas are only done at 90k miles, regardless of age. I did mine at 4 years and about 55k for peace of mind but it sounds like it's not much of gamble to take it past the 4 year age deadline and stick to mileage limits.

Cost wise the £450 mark seems the average for cambelt kit and water pump change at a decent indy.

Although most police cars will do 90k before 4 years old anyway which would mean they would not have to worry about the time limit.

It's going into Spec Cars on Monday for an MOT/Brake Fluid Change, so it'll be done then. Can't afford to be without a car for too long.

It's going into Spec Cars on Monday for an MOT/Brake Fluid Change, so it'll be done then. Can't afford to be without a car for too long.

probably to late and you may have your own reasons for going there (i have mine for not), but did you get a price from the Victoria Garage in Maud. Normally much cheaper and so much better to deal with.

When? - is this now 4years regardless of mileage

Yes .... BUT only in the UK funnily enough :wonder:

probably to late and you may have your own reasons for going there (i have mine for not), but did you get a price from the Victoria Garage in Maud. Normally much cheaper and so much better to deal with.

Cheers robzer - you are right it is too late (going in Mon). TBH I was aware of the garage in Maud, but I am using Spec's purely on the basis of convenience + it is getting an MOT/BFC done at the same time & Maud is a fair trek. My experiences with them weren't great to start with, but after some toughtalking & a few frank conversations with their troubleshooter for the group, I am now happier with the service. Price ? well I guess that's what happens when you live in the North East or more particulary Aberdeen.

Firsly apologies for posting about something that seems to have been done to death on here before...& before you start shouting, I have searched the various threads...but that's just left me even more confused about when, what & how much !

When? - is this now 4years regardless of mileage (only done 23k, but letter dropped thro' the door today from Skoda suggesting it might be due !) ? If this is so, I'll get it done, I am not a gambler - so why start now ! - even tho' I am still considering changing soon.

What ? - Cambelt and Water pump...I also see reference to a whole Skoda kit (including bolts, pulleys etc) - is this the best bet/VFM?

How much? - this seems to vary widely from £150 to £600 according to the various posts. I am in Aberdeen, so not the cheapest, but hopefully not the most expensive either !

had mine done not long ago at 4year / 21k , local dealer quoted £658 for belt pump and tensioner , a local VAG indy specialist did it for £352 usning the genuine VAG parts , it pays to shop around