I've a 2.8 ltr V6 Auto 03 model with variable service intervals. My Service schedule book syas belt replacement is due at 80,000 miles but my service centre say that it's 74000 or 4 years whichever comes first. I've only done 60000 miles but it is coming up to 4 years. Who do I believe?

Also they say the plugs need replacing as they were done at 40000 miles, 2 years ago. However the schedule says every 40000 miles and doesn't mention a time period. They went 3 years before the 40000 mile replacement. Again who do I believe?

I'm gonna do mine at 75k and the plugs are a good idea to change having done 20k, they endure a lot of hammering in that time so regardless of what the book says I'd change em.

Pretty sure it's 4 years or 80k miles whichever comes soonest.

You do what the service center says for a number of reasons...

1. these things get changed over time (famously the vectra the cam belt mileage changed from 80k to 40k because of a number of failure at about 50-60k)

2. if you DONT and then you have a cam failure as i have you can kiss goodbye to ANY hope of goodwill from skoda....i only got good will because i had a full main dealer hsitory on the button every time and they tried to argue it!!!! (well its missing the latest service - no it isnt its on variable and it hasn't come up yet!)

3. if your cam belt DOES go you write the engine off - so its cheap insurance!

DO NOT MESS ABOUT WITH CAMBELTS ITS SIMPLY NOT GOOD PLACE TO SAVE A FEW £...

I dont know on the petrol but on the diesel v6 its a BIG job so prepare fora £500 bill! (the whole front of the car has to come off on a diesel!)

The front needs to be pulled forward on any engine variant of the B5.5 because of its engine/transmission inline layout - there's just no space.

However VAG have made it very easy to do - there are threaded mounting points for guide studs provided and if the fixings are not corroded (VAG, would you please plate nuts and bolts properly) the job is straightforward.

Try some Italian exotica if you really want a cambelt change challenge.

rotodiesel.

However VAG have made it very easy to do - there are threaded mounting points for guide studs provided and if the fixings are not corroded (VAG, would you please plate nuts and bolts properly) the job is straightforward.

rotodiesel.

I've noticed that the chassis has rusting area's on mine also :thumbdwn:

The bit that rusts around there is the cross tube which carries the boost intake to the intercooler. It's very thick metal and rust is unlikely to be a serious problem but it doesn't look good. I haven't seen any rust on the body colour parts.

Mine received a good coat of waxoyl when I went in there.

rotodiesel.

omg rust on a 5 year old car....frankly that's below unacceptable...i though they were supposed to be fully galvanised 9so the advertising blurb says!)!

I have had 15 yo volvo's with no rust on them - and i do mean NO rust period....my brothers 240 with 230,000 miles on a F plate is just starting to show odd bits.....

I become more convinced im making the right decision and that cost have been cut in the wrong areas on these cars!

Mind you i still say change cam belts on schedule (age or mileage) on any vehicle - because the damage if one lets go is just too nasty to be worth the risk...

On the Fabby it's 4 yrs or 60k - whichever comes 1st.

So, car was 4yrs old but had only done 27k.

I had it done (expensive-ish , but not as expensive as probably around 3k for a blown engine).