I've nearly done the 10k miles between services in my VRS since November.

Can anyone add anything that I need checking out when I book it in for service. The car is an 06 plate and the 10k service is due at just over 52k miles. I drive it pretty easily most of the time, it really isn't thrashed.

Oil and Filter change

Air filter change

Pollen filter?

Fuel filter?

Full visual inspection as per service handbook

Full VAGcom fault code scan?

In addition:

Cam belt and water pump change?

Inspection of all suspension bushes and report on wear.

Brake pads, tyres are fine. Brake fluid was done last year. Things in italics I am not sure about, advice would be appreciated...

Also I have some choices about where I service it.

Big main dealer

Independent Skoda specialist

Trusted very small village garage

Is it really worth the inevitable extra cost just to get that main dealer stamp in the book? Wouldn't an indie skoda stamp look just as reassuring?

I rang skoda last week regarding the cam belt. They told me its due every 4 years or 74,500 miles, whichever comes first. It is my understanding that the tensioner pulleys are usually done as well with the cam belt, but the water pump shouldn't need doing on the first cam belt change. Someone correct me if I'm wrong!

Pollen filter and fuel filter I'd say yes, the rest I'm sure they others will help you out!

I go to a trusted local garage for all my work, £25/hour which is not bad considering. If they can stamp your service book and you're happy go for it.

A car with a main dealer service history will be worth more than one with an independent service history to most people. Certainly, the people on here know who Awesome, Jabba and Unit 18 are, and probably Indy-Tech and TT-Roadsport, but the average punter buying a vRS? They haven't a clue and they'd much rather see a row of Skoda emblems in the book.

Unless the independent that does the servicing is VAT registered (and several I know of aren't) then they can stamp your service book, but your warranty is invalidated.

Many independents aren't actually that much cheaper than the dealer if you get a couple of quotes up-front. Alex Lawrie in Liverpool are well known for being very competitive, as are ALS in Ely and Simpsons in Colne.

My service book lists the cambelt needing changing at 60,000 miles or 4-years on a vRS. I had the water pump done at the same time because it was only about £40 extra and they have been known to fail.

The air filter only needs changing every 40,000 miles according to Skoda, but I do mine every 10,000 miles as it's only £11, so why not? 40,000 miles is an awfully long time for most owners.

A car with a main dealer service history will be worth more than one with an independent service history to most people. Certainly, the people on here know who Awesome, Jabba and Unit 18 are, and probably Indy-Tech and TT-Roadsport, but the average punter buying a vRS? They haven't a clue and they'd much rather see a row of Skoda emblems in the book.

Unless the independent that does the servicing is VAT registered (and several I know of aren't) then they can stamp your service book, but your warranty is invalidated.

Many independents aren't actually that much cheaper than the dealer if you get a couple of quotes up-front. Alex Lawrie in Liverpool are well known for being very competitive, as are ALS in Ely and Simpsons in Colne.

My service book lists the cambelt needing changing at 60,000 miles or 4-years on a vRS. I had the water pump done at the same time because it was only about £40 extra and they have been known to fail.

The air filter only needs changing every 40,000 miles according to Skoda, but I do mine every 10,000 miles as it's only £11, so why not? 40,000 miles is an awfully long time for most owners.

Its out of manufacturer warranty, but within the extended dealer warranty - probably means I should get it serviced at a main dealer to keep that until it runs out in November.

Sounds like cambelt is still good for next year - that's a happy wallet for now!

Does anyone know if a diagnostic scan is standard in a main dealer service or would you have to request it?

Hi guys

by the way, Any idea if there is any link to download the official handbook for auto-mechanics in english? I have one in czech ("Dilenska prirucka") PDF. It is like 1000 pages thick, but very useful. Or what is actually the proper name of this document, so I can seek it? Sorry I am not english.

Thanx