Cambelt change needs special 'laser guided' tool?

[w82]

Hi.

 

Car went into a Looker's today under Approved Used warranty to fix an aircon issue. It was there 8 hours and their diagnosis was: they need the car for another day in order to take the dash off and investigate the noise. I didn't ask what took 8 hours of their time today.

 

Anyway, while there I asked how much they charge for a cambelt change. £1250 because this specific engine (1.5TSI) needs a laser-guided machine to calibrate each tooth/spoke/thing on the cambelt. These cost £5000 and there aren't many, so Skoda share them around.

 

By this point, my bull**** klaxon is deafening me and I can tell my face is doing all sorts - this cannot be true! Anyone heard of this, or is it one for the wall of dealer shame? Seems like absolute, gold-plated horse ****.

 

Will

[Kenny R]

8 minutes ago, w82 said:

Hi.

 

Car went into a Looker's today under Approved Used warranty to fix an aircon issue. It was there 8 hours and their diagnosis was: they need the car for another day in order to take the dash off and investigate the noise. I didn't ask what took 8 hours of their time today.

 

Anyway, while there I asked how much they charge for a cambelt change. £1250 because this specific engine (1.5TSI) needs a laser-guided machine to calibrate each tooth/spoke/thing on the cambelt. These cost £5000 and there aren't many, so Skoda share them around.

 

By this point, my bull**** klaxon is deafening me and I can tell my face is doing all sorts - this cannot be true! Anyone heard of this, or is it one for the wall of dealer shame? Seems like absolute, gold-plated horse ****.

 

Will

Sorry to say but it’s not B. S.

 

Edited 17 May, 2023 by Kenny R

[Ootohere]

@w82Your specific engine is a 1.5 TSI ACT, so if googling what others charge remember it is not just a 1.5 TSI. 

[w82]

Ah. Right, cheers. Got about 18 months to save which is something. 

[ApertureS]

I’m currently looking at investing in the tool and offering them to the community at a reduced price - just trying to weigh up the viability of it and if anyone would be interested?