Hi all,

Recently acquired a 2005 Octavia 1.9 TDi PD Estate. The car has covered 116k miles and the service history has been mis-layed so no records other than a independent service in September 2011 (minor by the look of it). and a new clutch in the same year. I have no record of the belts being changed.

So, do I book it in at a dealer for a major/minor service as a once only check-over and service or do I try to find a good independent to have a look? The only issue thus far is that the temp needle stays cold and the rear parking sensors on the blink.

Is there an area on the site for a list of recommended indie workshops? I am in Bucks but commute to Hammersmith Hospital for work so cover a fair distance to pick somewhere to drop it off.

Any advice greatly received!

Ben

Cam belt should be changed every 80k or 4 years (+ water pump)

All required parts you can find here http://skodaparts.com/

http://www.skodaparts.com/product/octavia-cam-timing-belt-kit-1-9tdi-pd-2004-2013-27112

Skodaparts.com Team

Hi all,

Recently acquired a 2005 Octavia 1.9 TDi PD Estate. The car has covered 116k miles and the service history has been mis-layed so no records other than a independent service in September 2011 (minor by the look of it). and a new clutch in the same year. I have no record of the belts being changed.

So, do I book it in at a dealer for a major/minor service as a once only check-over and service or do I try to find a good independent to have a look? The only issue thus far is that the temp needle stays cold and the rear parking sensors on the blink.

Is there an area on the site for a list of recommended indie workshops? I am in Bucks but commute to Hammersmith Hospital for work so cover a fair distance to pick somewhere to drop it off.

Any advice greatly received!

Ben

No sense taking it to a main dealer at that age. Find a local independent and take it there for a service and belt change. Have the coolant changed at the same time, as you should do the water pump and it sounds like a new coolant temp sensor may be on the cards to fix your temperature gauge (it's a cheap first step to take if it's not simply a loose/disconnected wire).

You'll get an idea from the link above of the cost of parts - remember to a trade customer they'll be cheaper than that so bear that in mind when comparing quotes. Make sure they change the full belt kit including tensioner and idler, and a metal impeller water pump is fitted. You could buy the parts yourself and supply them, but I always think that's a bit 'off' personally. If you trust your independent you should trust the parts they supply. Otherwise it's like going to the pub and asking to supply your own beer.

No sense taking it to a main dealer at that age. Find a local independent and take it there for a service and belt change. Have the coolant changed at the same time, as you should do the water pump and it sounds like a new coolant temp sensor may be on the cards to fix your temperature gauge (it's a cheap first step to take if it's not simply a loose/disconnected wire).

You'll get an idea from the link above of the cost of parts - remember to a trade customer they'll be cheaper than that so bear that in mind when comparing quotes. Make sure they change the full belt kit including tensioner and idler, and a metal impeller water pump is fitted. You could buy the parts yourself and supply them, but I always think that's a bit 'off' personally. If you trust your independent you should trust the parts they supply. Otherwise it's like going to the pub and asking to supply your own beer.

Thank you for the quick reply. I just gotta find one I trust. Have always had petrol Subaru's prior to the Skoda and always trusted a specialist but they are not too familiar with the PD engine. I agree with the analogy regarding parts. I have tried that before.

Ben

Thank you for the quick reply. I just gotta find one I trust. Have always had petrol Subaru's prior to the Skoda and always trusted a specialist but they are not too familiar with the PD engine. I agree with the analogy regarding parts. I have tried that before.

Ben

Have you had a look at the sponsors and the local reviews subforums? Perhaps there's someone nearby you could use?

Have you had a look at the sponsors and the local reviews subforums? Perhaps there's someone nearby you could use?

Do you mean the local dealer subforums?

Do you mean the local dealer subforums?

I did indeed - sorry if I didn't make myself clear, I couldn't remember what they were called when I posted that.

Yeah, I have looked but they only cover SKoda Dealers as opposed to independent places. Would be good to have a recommended independent thread somewhere.

I did indeed - sorry if I didn't make myself clear, I couldn't remember what they were called when I posted that.