2017 Skoda Octavia 1.6L Diesel · BP66 RUW

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 27 April 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning. There is a persistent and recurring pattern of tyre wear advisories dating back to 2023, including a dangerous failure for tread depth. The fact that inner edge wear on the front tyres has been flagged across multiple consecutive years suggests a chronic failure to address wheel alignment or suspension geometry, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle maintenance. With a recorded mileage of 132,147 miles over approximately nine years, this vehicle has averaged nearly 15,000 miles per annum. This is significantly higher than the UK average and implies accelerated wear on all primary mechanical components. A buyer should expect increased degradation of the drivetrain, engine mounts, and chassis bushings. High-mileage vehicles of this age often require more frequent replacement of consumables and a thorough review of the service history to ensure that major interval maintenance, such as timing belt and water pump replacements, has been performed. The recurring advisories regarding inner edge tyre wear are a critical red flag. This typically points to incorrect camber or toe settings, or worn suspension bushes and ball joints that allow the wheels to deviate from their intended path. During a test drive, listen for abnormal road noise or a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side. A physical inspection should focus on the front suspension components for play and the current state of the tyre treads. The buyer must budget for a full four-wheel laser alignment and likely a complete set of replacement tyres to ensure safety and longevity. The most recent advisory regarding oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber indicates the beginning of a seal failure. While not yet a failure, a misting shock absorber will eventually lose its damping efficiency, leading to poor handling, increased braking distances, and further accelerated tyre wear. When testing the car, check for excessive bouncing after a bump or a feeling of instability during cornering. Given the high mileage, it is also advisable to inspect the brake discs for lip wear and the calipers for binding, as well as verifying that all fluid intervals have been strictly adhered to despite the heavy usage.