After getting a second post card reminder I managed to contact Gordon Lamb Skoda. They had still not noted that I'd had an early cam belt change done by them at ~52k in Nov 2012. Now done 73k miles. I asked the recommended interval. Every 5 years 144,000 miles was the reply. I think staff member really meant km though. So a while yet before the next change is due either way. Service person also thought everyone with a 5 year old diesel Octavia was getting a reminder.

I think you will find the 5 year interval only applies to vehicles registered after September 1st 2010, otherwise it's still 4 years.

I think its just the usual dealer practice,im always getting letters/texts from mine,i had a letter telling me my octavia was overdue its cambelt change 6 months after they had replaced it!  i was also getting texts saying my mot was due in july.......its due in september........ ..........i also get letters telling me they really want to buy my car & invites to vip events......all go in the bin. 

4 years- 5 years seems to be ever changing. I think I got jumpy with my early cam belt change.

I also get letters telling me they really want to buy my car & invites to VIP events..... and also all go into the bin.

I just had a Cam belt + waterpump replaced. The recommended interval for my car is 80.000 miles. I booked my car in for a service and the person at the service desk alerted me of the cam belt job. They don't often send letters. I would love to go to "VIP Events" but my dealer is not really interested in me. Probably thinks I am a cheapskate driving a 2005 135k mile car :-)

Edited 28 October, 201411 yr by Manske

My car had a cambelt change on 6.11.2013 at 88k miles, now on 116k, is it far too early to get it done now? 

Mine was changed at 36k in 2010, now at 99.5k. It's a 2005 1.9tdi PD estate. I know interval is longer in Europe although perhaps not that long. I've visually checked the belt regularly and it still looks great but it's booked in next week. £220 plus cost of water pump.

12 hours ago, geordiepoole said:

Mine was changed at 36k in 2010, now at 99.5k. It's a 2005 1.9tdi PD estate. I know interval is longer in Europe although perhaps not that long. I've visually checked the belt regularly and it still looks great but it's booked in next week. £220 plus cost of water pump.

so 7 years and 63k miles? WOW!