My car (mk1 Fabia vRS, 2004) is due a cam belt replacement and I thought I would have the water pump replaced this time as well.

I Went to my local TPS for the parts and they say my chassis number is in a range for which the water pump does not need to be replaced, ever.

Anyone else come across this?

Use common sense and make up your own mind, i've yet to find anything manufactured by VAG that's indestructible.

it'll need changing - for piece of mind if nothing else

Use common sense and make up your own mind, i've yet to find anything manufactured by VAG that's indestructible.

my mum in law still has a set of dust caps from her 1957 Beetle in a cupboard in her garage

Anyway, get the pump done at the same time, no point saving at the wrong end IMO

Having spoken to Skoda and not TPS the correct part number is:

045121011HX £37.29 + VAT plus £30 + VAT surcharge refundable when I take the old one back.