hi all,

thinking of buying another furby VRS however I have some reservations on this car - ALL COMMENTS PLEASE.

06 black 42K 1 owner FSH ( but not main dealer or skoda) priced 6500

I know that the belts should be replaced every 5 years? so that is due within a year...

HOWEVER

I noticed that when i opened the engine bay the bonnet catch was VERY RUSTY - both the hook on the bonnet and the catch on the front grill bit - I find this a bit odd? is this common issue? should i be worried? Also i thought a few of the metal clips that hold the hoses in place around the engine etc seemed a bit rusty....again might be just because of age...

Decent deal from a dealer who offers 2mths warranty for free?

Everything else looked fine but the rusty bonnet catch and odd bits round the hose connectors has me worried.

Please comment guys - cheers

No idea regards the bonnet, but belts are 4 years or 60,000 miles, which ever comes first. So I think you'll find it's due now if you believe it's due in a years time based on 5 years.

Cam belt and water pump is every 4 years.

Dont worry about the bonnet catch they all rust quickly.

Bill.

Cam belt and water pump is every 4 years.

Dont worry about the bonnet catch they all rust quickly.

Bill.

thanks bill, if you recon the rusty bonnet catch is fairly common then i shall not worry!

timing belts - always divide a room ! my old mk 4 golf tdi 150 ( should NEVER have sold it) was every 4yrs or 60K yet my mate says he phoned skoda fairly recently who said their's was every 5 years - i know its effectively a VW engine etc.

Think i will press for the garage to do the belt as I agree its better to air on side of caution.

The bonnet slam panel rust as well, if you peel back the rubber seal it looks shocking

make sure the air con system is working properly too and that the rear door carriers don't leak......just little jobs that can be an inconvenience (or expensive in the case of the air con)

Cam belt and water pump is every 4 years.

The Cam Belt is a Skoda recommended (required?) change every four years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)

The Water Pump is a Briskoda.net recommendation - however you'll possibly find it difficult to persuade the dealer to do it - I quizzed two dealers re doing it on my 2004vRS and both said no (yes I know I could have persisted...).

The OP also notes "FSH ( but not main dealer or skoda) " - may be difficult to prove the right oil has been used? Are the invoices available t check?

"2mths warranty for free" - hardly generous - but actually better than my new one. There's always "Sale of Goods Act" provisions of course...

Hello dadoc2001

Seems with the bonnet catch area rusty, points to lack of maintenance during servicing or lack of servicing.

Lubricate/service my own car now, found out what it's all about, (couple of extra tools required, easily purchased), certainly not rocket science really.

By doing it myself I am more confident I'm more thorough than most garages, and don't miss being charged, some £40+ per hour !!

Once the four filters replaced, various levels checked and lubrication of locks/hinges etc, it's all down to visual inspection, couple close to an MOT you've cracked it.

Regarding both the auxiliary and camshaft belts being replaced, suggest renew the water-pump and anti-freeze (G12) at the same time.

Had my car done at 5 years old with approx 46,000 miles on clock, just a balance of time and mileage.

Independent garage charged £325 approx all-in.

Give all suspect parts you list a good-old tweet for any looseness or leakage, then get back to garage to fix-it.

Good luck.

Edited 28 August, 201015 yr by giandougl

If you buy that car make sure the cambelt is replaced - dealer might be telling you it's 5 years because they can't be bothered changing it - it's an expensive and time consuming job!

and as far as im aware, by law you have three months, if anything goes wring with the car in that period the dealer or who ever you purchased the car from is responsible.

correct me if im wrong lol