Hi all,

 

My much loved '06 2.0 PD L&K estate will be coming up to cam belt replacement time quite soon.  I've been looking (so far in vain) for a top independent specialist and when looking around the interned stumbled on the Skoda main dealer fixed servicing page.

 

On the maintenance section: http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/national-pricing/maintenance it says a cam belt alone would be £359 or £459 with water pump added.  This didn't seem excessively expensive, so (unusually for me) I'm thinking maybe I'll just go for the main dealer in Brighton.  Even it it's a little dearer than an indy there's also the whole peace of mind bit too.

 

Any thoughts?  Also, would everyone recommend getting the water pump done at the same time?

 

Many thanks,

 

Nic.

Hi Nic,

If I was you, I'd employ the services of the main dealer. I'm in the fortunate position of having a very good friend who has his own independent garage and I trust him implicitly with my car.

I'd advise against using an independent who you either have no experience of or who hasn't been personally recommended to you or you could end up in the unfortunate position one of the members on here currently finds himself in.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/327903-timing-belt-failure-just-after-renewal/

As you have alluded to, it's all about peace of mind. I'd definitely change the water pump as the original water pumps were fitted with plastic impellers which have been known to fail. I changed mine when I had the timing belt replaced.

The new water pumps come with metal impellers which negate such a failure.

The main dealership will also guarantee the work that has been done, giving you further peace of mind should anything go wrong.

Hope this helps & good luck.

Dave.

Thank you Dave.  Have to say the price doesn't seem too bad either!
 

Best,

 

Nic.

Nothing wrong with using an independent VAG specialist, although those in my area are only a few quid cheaper than the dealer, and with the dealer you get a 2 year warranty.

Mark

I would get the water pump changed at the same time (for the small extra cost its a no brainer for me to replace it at the same time as the cambelt). Mine was done at my local dealer & the parts & labour had a 2 year guarantee.

Mines in for belt & water pump next week. Decided to go with main dealer, indy was not much cheaper & added benefit of warranty from dealer.

Mines in for belt & water pump next week. Decided to go with main dealer, indy was not much cheaper & added benefit of warranty from dealer.

We've had a 'reminder' from our dealer saying that our Octavia's cam belt should be changed 'now'. It's 5 years old with nearly 50,000 miles. Is this normal? Seems odd for it to be replaced so soon - no other car we've had has needed this at what seems an early time in its life. Thanks.

We've had a 'reminder' from our dealer saying that our Octavia's cam belt should be changed 'now'. It's 5 years old with nearly 50,000 miles. Is this normal? Seems odd for it to be replaced so soon - no other car we've had has needed this at what seems an early time in its life. Thanks.

assuming your car is 2010 or later then 5 years is correct.

Though that doesn't add up. The belt life is based on mileage or time, whichever comes first.

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As said before, main dealer or a very trusted indy. If you were up in east anglia I'd reccomend the guy i use, ex-dealer mechanic for 20+ years. 1.9PD cambelt and waterpump was just under £300.

As said before, main dealer or a very trusted indy. If you were up in east anglia I'd reccomend the guy i use, ex-dealer mechanic for 20+ years. 1.9PD cambelt and waterpump was just under £300.

 

Don't forget any  " Paid " work done be a Dealer is Guaranteed for 2 years, Parts and Labour

I got mine done at a main dealer for £350ish for belt and pump because they matched a local independent so still might be worth getting a quote from a independent even if you go to a dealer to save a few quid.

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Edited 12 October, 201411 yr by Superskoda

We've had a 'reminder' from our dealer saying that our Octavia's cam belt should be changed 'now'. It's 5 years old with nearly 50,000 miles. Is this normal? Seems odd for it to be replaced so soon - no other car we've had has needed this at what seems an early time in its life. Thanks.

 

As your Octavia is 5 years old then it is due a cambelt.

 

Skoda UK have two measures for replacement; time and distance.

 

Whilst you are some way off the distance (exact mileage will be in your service book) there is a blanket time interval of 4 years (increased to 5 years on cars registered after September 2010), so you are actually overdue.

Main dealer doesn't necessarily mean any good though. I had mine done the first time at a dealers. Despite it having been "road tested" I found that the belt cover was clattering around audibly within 25 metres of having left the forecourt and was in danger of fouling something.

I think charging £100 extra for the water pump is taking the p*ss, its an exchange item at approx cost of £40, and it very straight forward to do when the belt is off, certainly not £60 of labour charge.

 

Most independents wont charge anywhere near £100 extra to do the water pump as well.

Which is why it is important to shop around.

 

Key requirements:

 

- Genuine Skoda kit.

- It needs to be the kit (includes rollers, tensioners and stretch bolts), not just a replacement belt which some indy's do to cut costs.

- Warranty, if the belt replacement goes wrong what protection do you have?

Dealer definitely. Independent will guarantee for 12 months. Dealer 2 years. Plus you will have a free health check and a free wash.