Hi I have a 1998 Skoda Octavia Mk1 - I do quite a bit of work myself on her, but had it the garage to have some suspension bushes changed. They also did a quick service and reported my clutch was on its way out no surprise I thought as it's done 167,000 miles with little problems more than the clocks not working (fuse out!)window winder motors, locks and bits

Anyway I have noticed since the service that the fuel economy has gone down from the usual 50+MPG at 75-80 on mway to 35mpg at the same speed. Half of me says its the clutch, but feel I should wait until there are noticeable signs of slipping etc but then I wonder if a clutch problem could be causing the low fuel consumption?

Any ideas would be really useful - what's the point in changing a non slipping clutch (ok a little clunky) if I dont NEED to. I think my old Octi (Gurty) is great and I've had her for 8 years now so want to do the right thing for her - reckon there's loads left in her yet.

i dont think a dmf clutch shows signs of slipping like a standard one.

Thank you - Ah so do you think the clutch system including the DMF will cause drag on the engine and mean the consumption will go down? Do you know if this is expensive to fix?

its around 300 for a smf conversion fitted

Been quoted £450 inc for DMF and Clutch.

I wouldn't change the clutch if it's not slipping. Can't see how it would cause fuel economy to suffer than much, if at all.

It sounds more like something else is wrong. Have you had it scanned on vagcom to check everything is OK. Could be something like a maf sensor that's dying, and making the mixture rich.