Might be about to buy an 06 VRS on 63k but it's due a cambelt. Was a dealer car until last year and this years service was done at an independent without the cambelt being done. Happy the car sounds good otherwise but I need to have a ballpark price to knock off the asking price. Also, should the pump be changed at the same time? If so, what's the price for the two together. I'm based in East Scotland so guessing it would be Chathams in Edinburgh for the work.

Paul.

Chathams will charge about £330-£340 for a belt change, Factor in extra for the water pump!

There are VAG indy's in Edinburgh!

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/171471-edinburgh-independent-garage/

Clock garage in Derby quoted me £280 for both the other day but they have a £50 off offer until the end of october.

Rainworth skoda quoted me £350 for both.

There both main dealers.

I own a vrs se and the 4 years will be up next june but the car will be on about 50k next year. If i can get the cash before the end of this month i'll get it done to save the money, but then again my mate said the 4 year rule is a load of s*** just another way VAG garages can make money out of you.

What if the car has covered 400 miles in those 4 years, do the belts have to be changed then? I think its upto the individual to make there minds up. If i cant get the cash together i'll run the risk. I know people will say this is a must to get changed on the 4 year mark and it costs alot more if it fails but my belt looks fine. And if VAG werent confident in there equipment i think they should change it free of charge, just my opinion!

Thanks guys, looks like my going in position is £400 off for the work and another £200 for wheel refurb as the alloys are corroding, lovely scottish road salt!! At this rate the car will be sub £5k!

Paul.

People on this forum give different advice re the water pump - some say change it, others say don't bother. Apparently it's more of an issue on the 1.8 petrol engine (I think).

I didn't get it changed (on my 2004vRS) following getting quotes from two Skoda dealers for the cambelt neither of which recommended the pump change.

Some places appear quite cheap - for example Witherspoon appear to be doing it for £250 assuming that's for Skodas as well as VWs/Audis and Marlow has it for £290 - and they DO recommend the pump too...

People on this forum give different advice re the water pump - some say change it, others say don't bother. Apparently it's more of an issue on the 1.8 petrol engine (I think).

I didn't get it changed (on my 2004vRS) following getting quotes from two Skoda dealers for the cambelt neither of which recommended the pump change.

Some places appear quite cheap - for example Witherspoon appear to be doing it for £250 assuming that's for Skodas as well as VWs/Audis and Marlow has it for £290 - and they DO recommend the pump too...

Me too, it's a known problem with the 1.8T. I was advised that it's not a problem on the diesels. Hence I'm on my original pump.

Me too, it's a known problem with the 1.8T. I was advised that it's not a problem on the diesels. Hence I'm on my original pump.

pm'd mate

I'm having our 54 plate TDI done tomorrow, do I need to get the water pump done or not???

Up to you, makes sense whilst your there.

The main dealers in NI said that it wasn't advisory to have the water pump done but it wouldn't cost extra on labour. All in they're looking around £370.

J

I won't be getting my water pump replaced just the belts, and hoping to pay no more than £250

I got my water pump and cam belt changed for £220 on my 1.9 Fabia. Was done by Midlands VW near Cannock in Staffordshire.