My Skoda Octavia VRS 2003 has just done 74000 miles and is due to have its cam belt replaced, i have read on some websites and been advised by friends that whilst having a new cambelt fitted it is strongly advisable to fit a new water pump. I would welcome advice whether or not a new pump should be fitted or if i should save myself the money. Thank you.

Yes without a doubt, do a search on here, very easy to do and you will find more in depth discussion on the matter...but to cut a long story short, YES! :yes:

Thank you for your reply. That is exactly what i wanted to hear.

I asked this question because yesterday our Skoda just came to a stand still mid drive.

The AA took our car to the Skoda dealership just down the road to us where we purchased the car 3 years ago and have had services and other work carried out at the same dealer since purchasing the car. We have been very happy with our car and the skoda dealer until today.

After having the cambelt changed on 23rd November. The skoda dealer looked at it today and have said the car is a write off. The water pump has seized causing the cambelt to tear. They didn’t change the water pump at the time they replaced the cambelt (didnt even give us the option to do this) but will not accept responsibility for it. I have since read that you should always change the water pump at the time of changing the cambelt. The cost of a replacement engine, £4000 - £5000!

We are now seeking legal advice and would appreciate and welcome any comments from anyone who may know where we stand on this matter.