My 05 Vrs is needing its 20,000 mile servive very shortly, because a certain garage round here charges a small fortune (

Yes. See this link:

http://www.skoda.co.uk/skoda3g/content/extras/faq/faq.aspx?QuestionID=71

You must use genuine Skoda parts and the garage must be VAT registered.

You must use genuine Skoda parts and the garage must be VAT registered.

And be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and to their spec sheet

Chris

Thanks Guys, now in two minds whether to use a non Skoda Garage

You must use genuine Skoda parts and the garage must be VAT registered.

Not 100% correct, the parts just have to be made to the same EU standard.

They cannot specify that you have to use their parts, but they do have to be of equivalent quality and it would be upto you to prove so if anything happens (so my warranty manual for another make states). You can use say the equivalent Mann filter without a problem as they make them for VW any way.

By not using a Skoda garage you are putting at risk getting any sort of good will contribution out of them if you have a problem after the warranty has expired.

By not using a Skoda garage you are putting at risk getting any sort of good will contribution out of them if you have a problem after the warranty has expired

I think you will find that they will want to sell you a new one and therefore the fact that you did not use them for servicing will be irrelevant