2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TSI 1.5L Petrol · RV21 ABU

The most recent MOT test on 23 May 2025 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, though with several critical advisories that demand immediate attention. The trend over the past year is worsening, as the 2025 test reveals significant tyre degradation—both near-side tyres show cuts and perishing, while front tyres are worn dangerously close to the legal limit. The rear brake pads are also wearing thin, a condition that, if unaddressed, will escalate into a binding or seized caliper scenario. The absence of defects in the 2024 test suggests these issues developed rapidly, likely due to deferred maintenance, particularly in the past 12 months. The recorded mileage of 28,988 miles at the time of the latest test indicates unusually low annual usage—approximately 5,800 miles per year over the vehicle’s five-year lifespan. This pattern could imply prolonged periods of inactivity, which accelerates tyre degradation and brake wear through static loading and environmental exposure. The gap between tests (10,874 miles between 2024 and 2025) is unusually long for a vehicle with these advisories, raising concerns that routine checks may have been neglected. The 2024 test’s clean pass further underscores the need for scrutiny, as the current advisories suggest a failure to address wear items promptly. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the tyres, particularly the near-side rear, where perishing and cracking indicate imminent failure. The front tyres, worn to 2mm on the edge, risk sudden blowouts or handling instability. Brake system integrity must be verified—rear pads are critically thin, and the tester may have missed binding or uneven wear. Suspension components, including coil springs and bushes, should be checked for corrosion or excessive play, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate rust formation. Structural integrity of the wheel arches and sills is also worth examining, given the low mileage but high advisories, which may point to neglect rather than genuine wear.