Hi I have a 04 Octy VRS on 36k. I believe its on the variable servicing and am expecting it to come on imminently. I was wondering what needs doing for the service? i.e. plugs, brake fluid change etc? also when should they have a cam belt? Skoda have said it should have one now as its 4 years old but this seems mad as its only done 36k?

Also wondering if anyone has had problems with the standard cd changer? Intermittently mine struggles to read cd's and displays "MECHANIC" on the head unit display. After removing and replacing the magazine it works fine?

Many questions I know but any help appreciated.

I have a 54 VRS i've had since Dec 06 when it had 18k on clock its now done 52K.

If its on variable servicing expect it to come on about 20K after its last service, my local Maidstone main dealer gave me a price for the 40k service then rang up with a whole host of recommended additions such as fluid changes etc.... which bumps up the price considerably.. they also mended my exhaust bracket (£55..00) which I have just found out was done with a 25p jubilee clip!!

I would get your cambelt done its expensive if it goes!! I know as I had one go in an A4 .

I am having my cambelt done next week, as im having a remap, at an independant for £250 plus about £40 for a water pump.

My advice to you would be find a decent independent, most can cancel service lights, and if you want a Skoda history just pay main dealer for an oil change.

I have experienced the CD problem, very intermittent though also have a couple of CD's it wont play????!!!

Must admit im well impressed with the car its as good as Audis and BMWs ive owned in past.

You mentioned you went to Maidstone. What independant are you going to? Do you know much about the remap? I quite fancy one myself. What sort of power etc do you expect from it?

My Variable service breakdown cost is on the forum somewhere.

I always suffer from the CD changer messages. A good blow out and a spin of the disc and its sorts itself.

cambelt is 4 years or 60K, had mine done slightly early @ 58K

Brake fluid change is every 2 years to.

Here you go, this is what i paid for my service last year @ Skoda dealer

Skoda octavia hatch

1.8T 20V RS MPI manual AUQ 180 BHP

2nd Variable Service - full service - 40k miles

Pollen filter....................... 1 @ £4.70 = £4.70

Spark plug........................4 @ £12.22 = £48.88

Element..................1 @ £14.10 = £14.10

Air filter...................1 @ £15.28 = £15.28

Screen wash............0.5 £@ 2.43 = £1.22

Sump plug........................1 @ £0.96 = £0.96

1lt variable oil.........4.6 @ £11.16 = £51.35

Total for parts £136.48

Labour 2.5 hours

Total Service Cost = £284

Thanks for that, Do they automatically do the water pump with the cam belt?

''You mentioned you went to Maidstone. What independant are you going to? Do you know much about the remap? I quite fancy one myself. What sort of power etc do you expect from it?''

I am getting Impossible Performance (see links on this site) on Medway City Estate to do remap and cambelt and water pump (recomended).

The Remap is a specific one on rolling road which costs £395.00 and im just having a panel filter @ £40 im hoping for about 215 Bhp and better torque.

I,ll post a thread when its done.

For general servicing will use Ace clutch and mot at Larkfield as they always Serviced my ex's car well.

Thanks for that, Do they automatically do the water pump with the cam belt?

no they dont, request it on having the cambelt done.