Hello, I am looking to purchase a Monte Carlo between 2015-2020. I have seen a model I like but the garage says that the timing belt is a chain when I asked about it being over 60k mileage. My dad disagrees and says all of the Fabia’s have a belt and should be changed every 4 years according to Škoda. Can anyone help, as I am looking to purchase second hand and wondering what are the top things I need to know and ask for. I did in fact have my Škoda Monte Carlo in white a few years ago but I reluctantly had to sell so hoping I can find something again! 

100% belt and Skoda recommended a FIVE year change. 

3 hours ago, Bibbybeth said:

Hello, I am looking to purchase a Monte Carlo between 2015-2020. I have seen a model I like but the garage says that the timing belt is a chain when I asked about it being over 60k mileage. My dad disagrees and says all of the Fabia’s have a belt and should be changed every 4 years according to Škoda. Can anyone help, as I am looking to purchase second hand and wondering what are the top things I need to know and ask for. I did in fact have my Škoda Monte Carlo in white a few years ago but I reluctantly had to sell so hoping I can find something again! 

@Planetse is correct about the cambelt drive, but the 5 year change interval was withdrawn last year.

Do the diesel engines have a chain? 

 

Look for all the usual stuff when getting a car new to you plus if you can a VW appropriate scan tool to get a report from which could also give you some negotiating leeway on interpreting any error codes (some will mean very little).  Check the state of battery on any modern car, possibly another area of negotiating or later cost or attention.

 

You need to put more info to get more info, what engine is it, gearbox, its year, personally I'd avoid any from the possible build quality issues of covid and chip shortages and after but other owners of those times might disagree.

 

On 13/02/2024 at 13:00, Paws4Thot said:

@Planetse is correct about the cambelt drive, but the 5 year change interval was withdrawn last year.

So what is the new recommended interval ? My daughter has same model and needs to know. Thanks in advance.

All over this site, from July 2023 rubber belts at 15 years 180,000 miles but checks each year, doesn't allow for any VW ****-ups with tensioners, or water pumps if driven off these belts which I don't think these are but always check any information you get from any source including manufacturers and some strange bloke down the pub or off the internet (especially if 'is memory ain't the best).

 

Same model as what. ?? Monte Carlo is the trim.  So 1.0 or 1.2 TSI,s.  No idea about MPI,s and if as a Monte Carlo, or 1.4TDI,s.  Then with a 1.4 TDI anyone needs to look at the pinned overheating threat.  Any car looked at as prospective purchase needs the history known and if there was issues are they resolved.    TSI if it had a Cambelt changed did not need the water pump replaced but some might have been done. 

42 minutes ago, Rooted said:

TSI if it had a Cambelt changed did not need the water pump replaced but some might have been done. 

This was suggested to my wife [ETA: but we declined it] when the, as I now know unnecessary, rubber belt change at 5yr/50k was done for (IIRC) £420 which would have been better for us to stay in our bank account rather than raising more revenue and profit for the Skoda Dealership, not that I mind about it, much.  😄

 

Edited 27 February, 20242 yr by nta16
ETA:

19 hours ago, Rooted said:

Same model as what. ?? Monte Carlo is the trim.  So 1.0 or 1.2 TSI,s.  No idea about MPI,s and if as a Monte Carlo, or 1.4TDI,s.  Then with a 1.4 TDI anyone needs to look at the pinned overheating threat.  Any car looked at as prospective purchase needs the history known and if there was issues are they resolved.    TSI if it had a Cambelt changed did not need the water pump replaced but some might have been done. 

It's a 2018 1.0 litre 108 bhp model;.