Had 2005 Octavia elegance 1.9tdi estate for a couple of months now and starting to think of doing some preventative maintenance.If records to be believed Timing belt was changed approx 40k ago - thinking of changing it soon is it best to go with genuine VAG or is it false economy - what is the best belt as alternative. Car was supposed serviced just prev to my obtaining at 160k miles unsure what parts and oil were used so for peace of mind would like to replace with the best available without overkill . A friend of a friend reccomends due to mileage changing from the longlife oil often used to go for a thicker type - This chap owns several high performance Audi and Golfs/Boras .

No thoughts then.

David,

Would definitely recommend annual / 10k mile oil & filter changes.

Timing belt & water pump at the same time would probably be a good idea too. At that mileage, a good VAG group independent garage is probably sufficient rather than paying extra at Skoda.

Good luck & enjoy the car!

best belt would be Conti Gates or Dayco?  kits by Gates or SKF are good--   if doing pump get a metal impeller one    stick with 505-01 or similar don't waste money on longlife change each year

Thanks guys so you dont think genuine VAG belt kit is neccesary - Being sucha vital part i want to fit as good as i can get without throwing money away - VAG is probably made by Gates or Conti just different label or would VAG up spec . Car is now used as a taxi so covers 6-8 hundred a week so 10k will soon come round .Think my mechanic easily capable of changing belts clutches etc without the need for Main or even VAG independant . What is 505-01 . Is it necc to change all tensioners with belt or just those that fail inspection . Any info re clutch would be handy as it does worry me - Clutch seems fine at present no judders etc but does seem to need a good few revs to be on the move super smoothly - Bite is faily low down i would say 40% of travel , what is likely cost of replacement with good quality Sachs - Borg and beck etc and is it likely to need flywheel also - .Love the car it is a bit of a hard ride is this normal ,car stands quite high as though it has had heavy duty suspension fitted  car has tow bar fitted . Changed a sidelight bulb last week and it took ages untill we found the removing headlamp solution - It has Xenons also are these expensive if replacement needed and are there any issues with them.