My March 2010 Octavia vRS CR 170 is due a Cambelt change..Having covered just over 40,000 miles in the last 5 years

I refused to change last year when Skoda say I should...despite VW saying 5 years for the same engine

So perhaps it’s time

Question...Do I pay a Main Dealer or Independent?

I had a quote last year and my dealer wouldn’t match it owing to them not fitting VAG parts...so they say

Ask jct be and jct seat for a quote as well ( same engine ) most time they are cheaper as jct have a deal for cheaper rates for cars over 5 years old

Chris

Its like taking your car to the dealer to service to maintain the warranty.

U don't have to, but it gives u a piece of kind if there are any confusion ref if warranty is valid and if anything goes wrong.

By law - u don't have to.

Ref cambelt/pump - I took Audrey to Skoda.

Just gives me piece of mind.

At the end, its all about whether u want to pay more for piece of mind - or independent to save money.

But if u ever find a really good independent - then stick with them!

Depends how long you intend to keep the car Chris.

Depends how long you intend to keep the car Chris.

A few more years Andy

Chris

Its like taking your car to the dealer to service to maintain the warranty.

U don't have to, but it gives u a piece of kind if there are any confusion ref if warranty is valid and if anything goes wrong.

By law - u don't have to.

Ref cambelt/pump - I took Audrey to Skoda.

Just gives me piece of mind.

At the end, its all about whether u want to pay more for piece of mind - or independent to save money.

But if u ever find a really good independent - then stick with them!

Yes..I know..But no warranty..but possible 'goodwill' gestures are not unknown

Ask jct be and jct seat for a quote as well ( same engine ) most time they are cheaper as jct have a deal for cheaper rates for cars over 5 years old

I really cant see using JCT would be much different in price

They were more expensive than Skoda when I enquired about servicing

I would rather NOT use Main Dealers...but may have to if I cant find a decent Independent..It is a rather critical part

£380 all in at Autotechnica in Hull

Personally I much prefer taking my car to a specialist than a dealer. Personal opinion and I'm sure many others will disagree.

Interestingly

Do we have a list of recommended Skoda Specialists on the forum?

Any in West Yorkshire for Chris?

£379 at my local independent (specialise in Volkswagen/Audi/Seat/Skoda/Merc/BMW/Mini) using OEM parts. I discussed with them before I booked the car in where they sourced the replacement parts and they only used OEM. They even showed me the parts in their boxes when I took my vRS in.

Like you my vRS is 2010 model (June) and the cambelt/water pump was changed at 75k in September so just over 4 years.

I had no issues using an independent based on the above.

I've been looking at this as well for my car i've had a look at vw website they have a cambelt promotion for £299 Cambelt change changing water pump for both for just £349 and comes with two year parts and labour warranty.

A good vw independent that uses genuine vw parts should be fine as you will still be covered by the vw warranty should the part fail.

The VW main dealer price is good. Skoda's national pricing policy has the belt and pump for £459.

 

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintenance/national-pricing/maintenance

 

After sales service is also valuable here, there have been a few instances lately where the timing and other significant parts of the belt change have not been set correctly causing all sorts of headaches.

 

As you say Skoda are still pretty good with their goodwill gestures on cars that are fully maintained by their dealer network but are out of warranty so I'd be tempted to pay a little extra for a main dealer - partly because there aren't many (if any) decent VAG specialists near me.

 

Also, be sure if you go independant that they are quoting/fitting a full cambelt kit, not just the belt. It is possible to just replace the belt. The proper kit includes the tensioners, pulley's and stretch bolts too.

Edited 2 January, 201511 yr by silver1011

Vw are cheaper for all servicing 129 for minor and 279 for major and that's a 3.6 ! And it's my mate who services it there . Most parts are cheaper too

Which VW dealer are you using, are you sure you aren't getting mates rates!?

 

VW's website has their minor service at £149 (compared to £139 at Skoda) and £299 for a major (£259 at Skoda)...

 

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/servicing/fixed-price-servicing

 

It does say these prices are for up to and including 2.0 litre engines. I can only imagine the 3.6 will be more?

 

Sounds like you are on to a good thing there!

I've had a couple of cars off Brookroyds when they were a Skoda Dealer based in Hampswaite near Harrogate. Now a Skoda Independent, 

 

 

http://www.brookroydgarage.co.uk

I once went to look at a used Octavia Scout at Brookroyd's. Was talking to the guy for ages, he know's his Skoda's for sure!

 

He was honest too which I admired, my vRS wasn't something he thought he could sell off his forecourt (something about Harrogate clientele!?) so the deal was no good.

Some interesting discussion here....Thanks guys

I have time to decide and make some further enquiries

Yes..I know..But no warranty..but possible 'goodwill' gestures are not unknown

Yes but if a dealer does the work it tends to be guaranteed for so long I think he was trying to get at. However most Indys do the same

The local independent in Lubenham always used genuine VAG parts, unless you wanted cheap cheap.

Would not any indy worth dealing with do the same?

 

Not had need to investigate the Fenland system yet.  (binder twine and rusty nissen hut bolts?).

Fenland System??

Some interesting discussion here....Thanks guys

I have time to decide and make some further enquiries

When do u need to decide, Chris?

A Trusted Traders local VAG independent did mine. They were around £100 cheaper than the main dealers, while using the same parts.

Before 1st March Wayne, when its 5 years old

Needs an MOT too

Before 1st March Wayne, when its 5 years old

Needs an MOT too

Plenty of time for research then!