GrahamWade

Thanks for all the replies and just to confirm it's a 1.5 Tsi Petrol - Sorry for the confusion.

My Octavia 1.5 Tdi DSG is now 5 years old and needs a timing belt change. I have shopped around and have been told: Must do tensioner and water pump at same time Belt and tensioner and water pump not needed Belt only as tensioner failing doesn't damage the engine the last sounds a bit suspicious to me. Car has done 33K miles. Prices range from £650 to £1200 Does anyone have any advice on what to replace and what is a realistic price?

Why not go online to one of many sites (something like halfords) and enter your reg, It will tel you the right oil.

Having used Bosch and 3rd party wipers I will always go for Bosch. I found that they work much better and leave a clearer screen and let's face it £25 difference over 5 years works out at £5/year for better vision when already in a potentially poor visibility scenario.

I fitted Halfords +150% bulbs to my previous Octy and made hell of a difference. Brighter, whiter light and the beam illuminated a lot further in front of the car.

I had a similar problem on one of me previous (non SKoda) cars. It turned out to be the a problem with the battery cells. Fitted a new battery and no more problems.

If you intend to get a sat nav sometime and aren't worried about it being wired in, a lot of the Garmin Sat Nav's also operate as hands free, connecting via bluetooth. I used one for years without any problems.

Mine came off driving through a ford and was advised by AA and garage that running without one could result in damage to the underside of the car with increased chances of rust damage and debris. Wasn't very expensive to replace when I got mine done (few years ago now).

I know that Michelin's etc. are more expensive but given that the tyre is the only thing in touch with the road I always spend the extra on better tyres. They often give better fuel economy and probably don't work out much more expensive, if at all, over the lifetime of the tyres.

I would echo this, I (stupidly :)) had mine done and had all sort of problems afterwards. Mine was an automatic and it went to a higher gear very quickly and was very reluctant to come back down again, the number of times it was trying to do 20 in top gear up a hill was amazing, ended up driving it as a manual. Consumption also reduced by about 5%. Took it back to dealer and chief mechanic came out for a test drive and pronounced that all was okay and behaving as expected despite it kangerooing all over the place up a hill.

I would definitely go for Goodyear efficient grip, fairly quiet, good efficiency, good grip and I have been getting 25K miles (3 monthly rotation).

Way past due, it's usually 4 years, and if it goes you'll probably say goodbye to your engine. Get water pump, pulleys,and tensioners done at the same time,

Personally, I would go for Skoda dealer, particularly if you have FSH from Skoda. This really has the ability to wreck your car if it goes wrong and I wouldn't want to end up as my friend did, with no car. Friend had car (not Skoda) done by Indy, 6 months later belt snapped ruining engine. Indy blamed parts, manufacturer blamed bad fitting. End result was no comeback and had to buy new car.

Hi I am looking at buying a new Octavia 1.5 TSI DSG SE L. Does anyone have experience of this car (I know it's a newish model). Previous Octi (2010 1.6 DSG) was written off at the weekend and so having to replace. Also, very confused as to how the infotainment offering works, some bits imply all built into the Amundsen satellite navigation and others that needs smartphone with data connection which could be a problem as company phone. Any help/ comments appreciated.

I had the same worries when I purchased my 1.6TDi octy DSG and it transpires that my car has a DRY clutch and is sealed for life and so dealers (3 off) all said there is no oil replacement on this gearbox/ clutch. Might be worth checking. For information I am told that official dealers can now replace the clutch pack on the DSG gearboxes but have no idea on how much that would be.

Get it done now. I've blown an engine when the belt broke and that's very expensive to put right, and as TheClient said not worth risking it for 2K miles.

I bought the Halfords +130% bulbs for my Octavia 2 weeks ago. They currently have a but one get one free offer so bought 2. Much brighter than standard, easy to fit, can't comment on how they will last .

Font tyres just replaced Goodyear efficient grips after 35,000 miles Rear tyres have done 45,000 and still lots of tread left. Octavia 1.6 Tdi Auto.

I purchased a set for 2010 Octavia on ebay from click-carmats £13.95 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skoda-Octavia-2004-12-Fully-Tailored-Deluxe-Car-Mats-Black-/110897239344?hash=item19d1fd9530). I've had them for 18 months and still look as good as new, despite 2 kids abusing them at every opportunity ;-). Fit well and come with the push fittings to stop them moving around,

Hi, have you had your tracking/ alignment checked? When I obtained my Octavia I had the same problem I replaced the budget tryes with Goodyear Effecient Grips and had hunter 4 wheel tracking/alignment done at the same time. Totally different car.

We have used maxi cosy on normal octavia and it was really good - no impacts so cannot comment on that side of things. Definately would go ISOFix as it is so much more secure.

Found it. It's in a panel above the rear windscreen. Possibly not genuine Skoda parrts

New thing, was working perfectly. Where ts it? It's so quiet that I am having trouble locating the buzzer. I thought it would be in the door pillar but isn't there. Anywhere else they put it?

The buzzer on my 2010 Octavia is very very quiet, I asked the garage if they could increase the volume when they were servicing but they said that buzzer is broken,Repair cost £100. Anyone know where I can get a buzzer and how easy/hard is it to replace?

Goodyear Efficient Grip on my 1.6 Tdi Auto are great value. Good all rounder and one of the quieter tyres around.