What components should be changed at the same time as my 2005 Skoda Octavia's timing belt?

I own a 2005 Skoda Octavia with a 2.0-litre 140bhp Volkswagen PD diesel engine in it. It has done 70,000 miles and I want the timing belt changing at the next service. As well as the belt, what else needs...

Which £7500 car is capable of covering large mileages in comfort?

I am currently driving about 650-700 miles per week (rarely on motorways) in my Laguna 2.0 auto petrol, and really need to change to a more economical vehicle because of my mileage. The Renault does about...

What else needs changing with the timing belt in my Skoda Octavia?

I have a Skoda Octavia, registered in 2005, with the Volkswagen 2-litre (140bhp) diesel engine. It is due for the timing belt to be changed. I'm not sure what else needs to be done when the belt is changed?

I had no idea how much low tyre pressures can affect fuel economy.

Seven weeks and 3000 miles after I took delivery of a new Skoda Octavia Scout 1.8 TSI I decided to check my tyre pressures. They were all too low by about 10 per cent. This I fixed using my own pump and...

Why is my Skoda Octavia TDI reluctant to start?

My 54-plate (2005) Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI PD Elegance has developed a tendency not to start occasionally. It was checked by the Skoda agent, who found no fault when scanning it, however it behaved itself...

Which car should I buy for a 130-mile daily round trip?

I have up to £10,000 to spend on a used car for a daily round trip of 130 miles, and my criteria is reliability, economy and decent motorway performance. My preference is for an automatic gearbox. I currently...

DSG of Thornhill writes…

I have been driving a Skoda Octavia 2.0 Litre Diesel with a DSG box that I like. Is this box available outside the Audi/Volkswagen Group

I'd like an economical, 'green' car for a 160-mile commute - what should I buy?

I'm looking at buying an economical and 'green' car but I'm clueless. I'll be doing almost all motorway driving, so I'm not sure I'd get the benefits of a hybrid when doing a 160-mile round commute every...

Please review your information on the Skoda Octavia TPI fuel pump issue.

I read the comments on the Skoda Octavia 2-litre TDI PD oil pumps with alarm. I then dug into the detail on the engines in the VAG manuals and spares catalogues that I have. It appears that the 2-litre...

Is the 140PD engine in the 2007 Skoda Octavia prone to turbo and oil pump failure?

I am looking at buying a 2007 (07) Skoda Octavia with the 140PD engine in it. However I have found a few bad reports on the engine, some in relation to turbo failure at an early age and others about a...