Thermostat Housing and Water Pump Replacement

Due to coolant leak, dealer wants to replace thermostat housing and water pump, inc all the associated bits such as belt and the union, as well as move the intake manifold and throttle body to get to the thermostat housing which means another two gaskets on the parts bill and more labour, on my 2019 vrs.

How common is the failure on the thermostat housing / water pump these days? I can't stand the thought of this going more than once due to costs involved?

And has anybody had similar job priced recently at main dealer or similar?

Quote is expensive but itemised parts prices check out as generally correct (assuming both gaskets are required).

Parts list is thermostat, water pump, union, tooth belt, coolant, gasket (intake manifold), gasket (throttle body) and comes to approx £600.

Labour 4.5 hours at £174 an hour  so about £760.

Total about £1360.

Will get quotes from other dealers and an independent or two tomorrow to compare.

Car is low mileage (34000) for its four years old and has full main dealer service history. It has been reported for slow coolant loss before so I'm wondering if I might get any joy by contacting Skoda and seeing if I can get them to pay or contribute for repairing this known issue? Thoughts?

Cheers!

Edited 13 July, 20232 yr by Octaviarse