Hello. Bought a Rapid saloon in Summer 2015. It was on a 63 plate. Only had 40 miles on the clock as it was an ex-demonstrator, that must not have been demonstrated much. Took it for a service and MOT this summer, it passed. However, the bloke said "I really should have changed the timing belt as it is 6 years old now". Technically it has only been driven regularly for 4 years, and only has approx 20k miles on the clock. Should I risk leaving changing timing belt until next year? Thanks.

You're well out of warranty, and way off qualifying for any out-of-warranty goodwill from Skoda UK.

 

So, assuming any financial burden of the failure of the cambelt is down to you and your wallet then only you can make the decision.

 

Personally, if the car is a 'keeper' i.e. you don't intend to sell it any time soon, then it makes no sense delaying. Change it now.

 

Skoda UK's cambelt stipulation is 5 years (the mileage varies by model, engine etc.).

 

Don't forget the waterpump too...

 

 

The fact that the car spent the first two years of it's life sat in a field somewhere, covering only 40 miles, then it is likely that the cambelt has perished prematurely. At least more so than one in regular use.

 

This alone would be enough to convince me not to put off replacing it.

 

Edited 13 October, 20196 yr by silver1011

My belt snapped at 4 years and 2 months, despite only doing ~27k. Yes, not a Rapid (mk1 Fab vRS) but still.... I would say if you can afford the worst case scenario happening take the risk. 
 

Personally, I wouldn’t risk it again given my experience. 

I know nothing about these engines and which is which, 

but could it be one currently part of yet another Skoda Secret Service Campaign?

 

If so when the car is in ask them for a discount on the work you want for the inconvenience of their Recall Action, especially if one they never warned you on..

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/472549-12-tsi-cjzb-2013-2015-service-campaign-15h4-might-interest-some