Car is a 2002 Octavia TDi (90bhp).

I have cracked and dented the sump, and as a result the car is leaking oil (not catastrophic oil loss yet, but obviously needs prompt attention).

Could anyone please confirm (what I've heard from the garage) which is that the sump removal necessitates having to (re)move the gearbox - therefore expensive labour wise.

Thanks

News to me. I didn't think it required the box to be touched.

According to the workshop manual, the procedure is to remove the noise insulation panel, drain the oil then unbolt the pan. A torque wrench is needed to slacken and tighten the oil pan bolts and, for models with extended service interval, it is necessary to unplug the connector from the oil level and oil temperature sender.

Straight forward enough to do.

And welcome to Briskoda

Indeed and no gearbox moving.

Time to find a new garage as that lot are taking you for a ride to bump up their profits.

Thanks for the information folks. I took the car to a different garage, and the job was indeed straightforward (essentially a couple of hours labour, not a couple of days!), without having to move the gearbox.

Looks like it was high time I changed which garage I take my car to!