MatB

It was only an interim service, mainly an oil change. So as far as I understand, no need touch let alone replace the air filter. Certainly nothing to that effect on the invoice. Wish I'd noticed it myself before now when doing the basic checks and topping the washer water up as it was bloody obvious once I'd been pointed in the right direction. Could have been like it an hour; could have been like it a month. Looks more like the latter by the amount of muck on the broken part that would be clean if today.

Had my 17-plate Octavia Estate serviced this morning. All fine, but garage pointed out that one of the lugs attaching the 'air filter' to the manifold was broken. They quoted ~£600 to fix as they'd need to replace the manifold. Didn't really know what he was on about, but as it seemed a little OTT for what sounded like a broken plastic clip I deferred a decision. I took a look myself once home. Seems it's one majorly broken (massive gap), and another sheared but the bits still there clips between the air box and the manifold. Left side: Right side: Bugger. Who'd make important car parts out of plastic!? I've done a fair bit of searching around, but am rather surprised this doesn't seem to be a particularly common problem. Ultimately, I'll pay the money and have it fixed, but is there a better/cheaper/easier way? What would you do?