My car was four years old the other week and the spanner started flashing on the dash so I called the local dealer for a price on a service, which came back as expected (£250). I was also advised it required a cambelt change (£320) as it was 4 years old.

Service guide states a check at 60k/5 years - ie not replacement. Why the change in policy?

My car doesn't get used a lot - 20k, with about 2.5k since the last service. In the current economic climate a £600 bill is not appreciated much.

As far as i was aware general VAG policy was 60k or 4 years

After 60k miles it could be worn out from use or after 4 years even with a small mileage (possibly worse with a small milage) the materials could be degraded due to age

I had mine changed earlier this year on an 04 car at around 40k, but spent the previous 6 months thinking that i really should get it changed!

However don't pay dealer prices!!

My local one quoted me £750 and a local independant quoted me £450 and my VW mechanic cousin change mine for £300