I'd like to buy a new Skoda Octavia, but does the cam belt really need changing every four years?
The new Octavia is getting acclaim in all the reviews I have seen, but few have tested or commented on the 1.4 TSI 140PS petrol unit which I am thinking of buying to replace my 2007/57 2.0 Mazda 6. Quizzing the dealer about servicing costs yesterday I was surprised to be told that the cambelt would need replacing in as early as four years at a cost of £374. The dealer also advised that because of the use of long-life oil I should select his ‘flexible regime’ service option (sensor detected/advised intervals of around two years), rather than his ’fixed regime’ 10,000 mile/annual services, despite their publicity brochure suggesting the latter because of my low (7-8000) annual mileage and predominantly local/town usage.
The EA211 1.4TSI ACT engine has been widely praised in the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf VII and other VAG MQB subframe applications. VAG had trouble with timing chains on the 1.4TSI, so for the new EA211 1.2TSIs and 1.4TSIs it reverted to timing belts. If you intend keeping the car beyond three years, change the oil and filter at least every 10,000 miles or at least every year, whichever comes first, whatever they tell you. Don't pay for a service contract that doesn't give you what you pay for.
Answered by Honest John on
