Just had a variable interval service plus a cam belt change at 53000 miles at Gordon Lamb. I chose to have the cam belt changed early at my convenience.

The fuel consumption has improved noticeably and I’m trying to figure why. The itemised bill does not mention an air filter or a fuel filter but the tick list indicated both were changed. I’d expect they would be the items to improve mpg. I’ve got the important stamp in the book and have not the energy to discuss with non-technical staff.

One other item has me puzzled- what is PIT STOP OIL for at £2.25 plus VAT?

The cam belt change was £170.74 plus VAT- so reasonable as part of the service.

One other item has me puzzled- what is PIT STOP OIL for at £2.25 plus VAT?

Is there a bottle of oil in the boot?

No, and neither is there a bottle of screen wash (also paid for but can not have been used as washer bottle was full )

Has the actual measured MPG improved or just the MPG displayed on the dash? After my cambelt was done the fuel computer display immediately became about 7-8 % optimistic, but the actual MPG measured between fill ups didn't change at all unfortunately.

Perhaps they made a better job of timing it after the new belt was fitted. It's something that should be done with diasgnostics after this operation.

I had my timing altered during some cold starting issues I had last winter and ever since my onboard computer now reads around 6 or 7mpg less than it used to.

However when manually calculating my mpg it hasn't actually changed at all.

I challenged the garage afterwards and they were unsure how the OBC calculated the mpg so I left it at that.

Is Gordon Lamb a Skoda main dealer?

£170 +VAT for a cambelt is suspiciously cheap. Did they fit the full kit (tensioners and rollers) or just the belt?

i have a bottle of screenwash left as i normally keep it topped up.

Gordon Lamb is a Skoda dealer and I'd it done as part of a main service.Pukka parts according to the invoice.

The plot thickens. I noted the oil used, on the receipt, was only to VW505 i.e. suitable for a fixed interval service . The separate service ticklist is indeed for a fixed interval service. I have raised this with the service desk and they will get back to me.They agreed my car is indeed on variable interval servicing.I get the impression all will be sorted but a PITA.

Assuming your car is equipped with a DPF then VW 507.00 oil should have been used, irrespective of whether you asked for a fixed or variable service.

I'm still suspicious of a full cambelt change for £170.

In theory your car may have just had it's first air filter change!

I'm sure I read the interval for the air filter change was 60k miles.

Is Gordon Lamb a Skoda main dealer?

£170 +VAT for a cambelt is suspiciously cheap. Did they fit the full kit (tensioners and rollers) or just the belt?

Me too I think mine was nearer £400 +water pump.

£299 for a cambelt, £369 for a cambelt and waterpump.

http://www.skoda.co.uk/gbr/owners/national-pricing/pages/maintenance.aspx

£170 is a bargain, or a rip-off!

£299 for a cambelt, £369 for a cambelt and waterpump.

http://www.skoda.co....aintenance.aspx

£170 is a bargain, or a rip-off!

Think mine was done before the Fixed Price.

Does sound cheap though

Given that the trade price of a genuine belt and tensioners etc is about £90 + VAT it does sound very cheap.

I take it this is Gordon Lamb in Chesterfield?

Yes, Gordon Lamb are a main Skoda dealer.

Three months on from 'that' service. Several assurances from X that all was in hand and all it needed was the correct oil and a filter. Rang last week and was told sorry, X no longer works for us.

Car booked in speedily and oil changed. Mileage to next variable service as expected- still counting down from 18000 miles ,as before, so they have not reset the indicator. Fingers crossed that all is well. Air cleaner is not due yet so will need to keep an eye out when 60,000 miles comes up I guess.

The cam belt change was done as part of a service and was discounted substantially .

And no, I doubt whether I can make a rational decision on the appropriateness of their work at present.

Edited 18 February, 201313 yr by gregoir

Seriously, if you own a Dyson and can clean the (air) filters on that, you can change the filter on a Skoda. Save yourself a few quid and apparently heartache.

Edited 18 February, 201313 yr by FriendlyFire