Can anyone advise on the service interval on a 2006 skoda octabia 1.9tdi. Looking at buying one but looks like it was serviced at 12,000 (2years) & 30,000(5years) and recently at 36,000. Should it have been serviced yearly or does it go only by mileage?

as far as i know, there are two settings, fixed, annual 10k miles. and variable. which is what the name suggests. But even on variable 3years betweens services seems to be questionable.

Others will know more as i just got mine done on annual.

Either way, if buying a car that went 3 years between services I’d be ensuring I bargained it down.

IMO cars are better if serviced at reasonable intervals, always do ours yearly or 10k, whichever comes first.

I’ve got a right old one – a 1999 model – and have it serviced once a year (I do about 10k a year).

3 years and 18000 miles between services is too big a gap IMO.

Has the timing belt been done? If not this will need to be done soon. (80,000 miles or every 4 years)

The variable servicing could easily do that, was the 36k one an oil service? Skoda gave mine an extra stamp when I bought it, but it was on the 10k cycle so it went 10K, 20K, 26K, 36K etc…

I wouldn’t worry too much about it, the 1.9tdi engine is unlikely to die before something else kills the car.

Also wouldn’t worry about timing belts either. I think that as long as it gets done before 100k miles your OK.

Apologies got service mileages slightly wrong. Was typing on phone. Was sent this with regards service history.

The car has been serviced by us (sales garage) when we received it on 09/07/2012. Before that it was serviced on 30/07/2008 at 13,914 miles and on 17/06/2011 at29,285 miles. The next service is likely to be a relatively large service as it is likely to include the every 60,000 km interval. The toothed belt isdue to be replaced on the car every 120,000km so that is a long distanceaway at the minute.

Would guess it was on variable. I understand they have a service light/indicator on the dash which flashes up ir tells you. The 3yr gap was a little concerning. Should i really be that worried with such low mileage gor the age of car (2006)?

*im not a mechanic*

But…. Despite having a skoda on variable services when I purchased it, both indi’s I took it too ‘congratulated’ me for swapping to the annual interval.
I reckon it would be three years between variable services given the miles we do – too long.

DrP

From Skoda UK

How frequently should I get my car serviced?
The service requirements will vary depending upon the model and engine. Fabia and Roomster models require a lubrication service at 10,000 miles and an inspection at 20,000 miles or 12 months whichever is sooner. All new Octavia and Superb models can operate on either a fixed or a variable servicing regime. On variable servicing, intervals are determined by driving styles and conditions of use. The on-board computer will indicate when a service is required which could be up to approx. 20,000 miles for petrol engines, 30,000 miles for 4 cylinder diesel and 24,000 miles for V6 diesel. Further information may be found in the Service Schedule contained within the vehicle document wallet or by contacting your local retailer. All franchised retailers can fulfil your warranty and servicing requirements. To find your local retailer please click here.

Would suggest giving a dealer a call about time between services – they were mostly very helpful when we had to deal with them

My Passat’s on variable.

Dealer said if you do lots of motorway miles then it’s a good idea.

Now I’m worried again DrP.

Our 55 Fabia has been serviced every 12 months. In the 18 months (23k miles) we’ve had it we replaced

Brake lines and pistons on the rear drums
3 out of 4 wheel bearings
Cylinder head
Valve guides
Catalytic converter (had the contents smashed prior to buying it but we didn’t know till recent MOT)

We bought the car for £3695 and spent £2400 on it in 18 months. Worst car we have ever owned. Its going as soon as we can get rid. Been offered £1800 PX for it and we just need to find a car we like. So far toss up between a Saab 93 estate, a Nissan Almera Tino and a Vauxhaull Vectra Estate.

If it’s on variable it I think it judges it by measuring the cleanliness of the oil (modern service isn’t much more than an oil change). Lots of short journeys = fairly frequent service, lots of motorway miles but infrequently (which is what that service interval suggests) could give that pattern. We ran a 1.9TDI on variable and got over 18months to first service. However, the Stealer screwed the first service, used the wrong oil and didn’t understand the variable servicing.

We’ve used an indie specialist since then and now have it on c12 months.

I think it measures engine revolutions and oil temperature, these are the key variables I think.