Due to the number of miles I'm doing I currently service my car every couple of months or so (10k miles). Is it possible to go onto variable servicing to reduce the frequency? As I always do longish trips the car gets to warm up properly each time I use it.

The car's a 1.9TDi (110 bhp) elegance with 160k miles.

thanks for any opinions

Yes the 110 TDI can run on variable servicing, you will need either VCDS or a dealer to activate it though.

My 110TDi is on variable and I seem to get the full 30k miles between services. I do notice though that I do need to top the oil up between services though. Definitely better than for ever taking the engine under tray off to get to the sump plug all the time. FYIW, mine is on 159k at the moment, and apart from VVT issues it seems to be reasonably well behaved!

sounds like variable service could be a good way to go then.

Is there a list of what needs doing and at what point? think the service manual only gives details for fixed servicing.

I presume that as I've been on fixed servicing i'd just start at the beginning of the list of variable (i.e. treat it as if the car's brand new), obviously I'll not let the cam belt go over the recommended mileage.

I change my oil/filter as per variable, and do the other stuff as fixed.

My 110tdi is also on variable . . . 20k miles since the last oil change and to be honest, I'm a little uncomfortable with that. I'd much rather drop the oil, change the oil filter (and fuel filter every other service?) every 12k miles myself. I just can't believe that it is good for a turbocharged engine to run on the same oil for that length of time. :no:

Is there a list of what needs doing and at what point? think the service manual only gives details for fixed servicing.

My 2002 Octavia's Service Schedule (ie service record booklet) give Standard Service (QG0) and Vehicles with LongLife A and B (ie variable) service details.

My 110tdi is also on variable . . . 20k miles since the last oil change and to be honest, I'm a little uncomfortable with that. I'd much rather drop the oil, change the oil filter (and fuel filter every other service?) every 12k miles myself.

Probably depends on the type of use/driving you are doing as well. Lots of motorways miles is good for variable, as otherwise you could be under the car 3 times a year (or more!) changing the oil, where as doing the short school run/shopping then go for fixed. Plus if you change your oil too often, I have heard (on here) that the sump thread is only good for about 10 changes before it is get f00ked. Seems a bit naff to me, but only reporting what I have seen on here..... Guess it depends on how the sump bold is treated though.

I think if the bolt isn't overtightened then I can't see any reason for the the sump thread to have a limited life as far as the life of the car is concerned. Maybe I'll be eating those words though in the future . . .

I agree....maybe for those do our own oil changes we will be ok, but those who rely on garages may get a shorter than expected life span from the sump thread.