Hi everyone

I've just put a deposit on a 2003 Octavia VRS Estate. It seemed like a real fun car on the test drive and it has the space we need, since I became a family man.

I was a little concerned by the comments on the Honest John web site about timing belts breaking around 70000-8000 miles on the 20V engines. I'm not sure if that applies to the VRS? The salesmen said they'd never had a case, but he would say that wouldn't he? I assume that the timing belt should be changed around 60000 miles anyway. Is that right?

Also, I'm a little concerned that the black and silver trim isn't very practical. The silver looks as though it will show marks. Who else has got that trim and has kids? Is it easy to keep clean?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to picking up the car on Friday. I expect I'll enjoy the car and I'll probably drop in here every so often

Welcome and congratulations on the new car! You're right - timing belts should be changed at 60,000 (at least that what the dealer told me) so there shouldn't be an issue.

I've had mine 6 weeks and the trim isn't particularly grubby yet, having said that I don't have kids and I've been careful to keep it cleanish.

Yes, Id set that aside an air on the side of caution and get the full timing kit/water pump done at around that time. Cost me £280.

Enjoy it anyway!

60k or 4 years for the cam belt.

No kids but a silver trim, so i cant comment. Im never dirty getting in my car but its gone slightly off colour now. Nothing a good valet should get rid of though.

Welcome to Briskoda

Got kids and a vRs and they erm don't mix :orb_upset

Especially when one of them plays footy every week and gets covered in mud :soapbox:

Is it 4? I thought it was 5...

Got kids and a vRs and they erm don't mix :orb_upset

Especially when one of them plays footy every week and gets covered in mud :soapbox:

Put him in the boot.

Tried that but the missus got a upset. Thought I was being cruel or something like that!!!!!!!!

Ive got it...bike in the boot and let him ride home!

Is it 4? I thought it was 5...

Im sure its 4 years, but i could be wrong.

Phew, luckily mine was done just after 5 years at 43k.

Got mine second-hand (o4 plate) with 17k on the clock and was in good nick. I put cheap mats down straight away on the original ones to keep them looking new. Sad.. i know, but worth it!

no kids but spend a lot of time with an 8 month old niece and came up with a neat and simple solution which looks good. town and country heavy duty seat covers. they have been on the seats about 18 months and still fine

Im sure its 4 years, but i could be wrong.

Read this sticky:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/ask-tech/timing-belt-change-interval/56532/