Due to the let down of the previous car and GearBox issue,

I am now looking elsewhere..

When are Cambelts/water pumps due to be changed?

I'll be typically looking for a FL 09/59 probable cant afford anything newer..ideally petrol..due to low miles per year..approx only 7-8k

What other service items would be due/specifically need to be looked at?

I'd rather buy from a garage..at least peace of mind with a warranty...but open to looking private if price and other factors work out..

any advice appreciated

A facelift octavia petrol vrs doesnt have a cambelt it has a chain,the diesel octavia vrs does & i think the on the earlier ones skoda recommend its replaced every 4 years & every 5 years on the later models,i think the mileage interval is 120k.

There are both mileage and time limits on cambelts.

 

Any cars registered before September 2010 have a blanket 4 year interval.

 

Anything after this date is 5 years. Some will argue Skoda UK's time limits are overkill and not replicated on the same cars sold in other markets.

 

The mileages do tend to vary from engine to engine, but are normally detailed in the service bok in the glovebox.

Like Mikey says at that year it will be the FSI engine, I think they had problems with the tensioners for the drive chain? Correct me if I am wrong though Im not 100%

FSI, I think you mean TSI?

 

Here is the linked thread on TSI engine failures...

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/266114-18tsi-and-20tsi-engine-failures/

Well, ask for the manual that comes with the car. Usually there you will find the information about that specific car. I had a book with my car and there were mentioned several other engines as well and there were significant differences between mileages. If you got a VIN number then the dealer can tell you this too.

About water pump - usually they are changed together with cambelt. Mostly they are fine then but it's like an insurance. It costs something (you change working thing) but you avoid a nasty situation when it fails (and belt has been changed only before 300km).

TFSI  = Cambelt

TSI - Camchain

 

Belt was every 4yr or 80k I think (4yr is right).

Might be worth checking of the Teves Mk60 ABS module had been changed it's a common fault.

AC compressor is a weak point too.

Cam follower wear too but not sure how you can check that easily.

 

Non-FL check the sills for rust above the chip paint.

Check behind the wheel arch liner for leaves etc.