2010 Skoda Octavia 1.6L Diesel · AF10 GHA

A clear mechanical theme emerges from the MOT record of this 2010 Skoda Octavia, namely a developing wear pattern in the rear suspension geometry alongside minor lamp and tyre issues. The most recent test on 27 February 2023 was a pass, but it carried three advisories, two of which flagged worn lower suspension arm pins or bushes at the rear on both the nearside and offside, while the third noted an offside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Earlier that same day the vehicle failed on a nearside front position lamp not working, a straightforward electrical defect, before being presented again and passing once the lamp was rectified. The 2022 test was clean with no advisories recorded, which suggests the suspension wear has emerged in the twelve months leading up to the latest examination and warrants close attention. Mileage on this vehicle stands at 157,728 miles across roughly sixteen years, which equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 9,858 miles per year. This is broadly consistent with average private and business use for a car of this age and class, so there is no immediate red flag from either very low accumulation that would suggest long standing periods or unusually high figures that would imply heavy commercial or fleet use. The consistent year on year testing pattern, with annual entries in 2022 and 2023, indicates the vehicle has remained in regular road use rather than being laid up, which is positive for components such as brake discs, callipers, brake hoses and the exhaust system that suffer from corrosion and seizure when stationary. With near 160,000 miles on a 2010 Skoda Octavia, mechanical wear on drivetrain, clutch, turbo and ancillary components should be assumed present to some degree even where not directly flagged. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the rear suspension geometry that was flagged in the 2023 advisories. The lower suspension arm pins or bushes are pivot points linking the arm to the axle or subframe, and when worn they allow slop and movement that the examiner judged not yet excessive but trending towards a future failure. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear over speed humps, uneven road joins, and undulating B-3 class tarmac, particularly during low speed loading and over bumps where worn bushes articulate most noticeably. From the rear seat, pay attention to any vagueness in the rear end tracking over mid corner bumps, and have a second person rock the car while you watch for vertical play or shudder at the rear wheels. The nearside and offside were both flagged, which suggests general bushing ageing rather than a single impact, so replacement of all relevant bushes on the rear axle is likely due imminently. The offside front inner tyre advisory noting wear close to the legal limit and on its edge should also be followed up, as edge wear is typically indicative of a geometry problem such as excess negative camber, worn suspension components, or incorrect inflation. Combined with the rear arm wear, there is a credible case that the front suspension geometry may have been affected, so request a four wheel alignment check and inspect the front wishbone bushes, drop links and track rod ends for perished rubber or play. The failed position lamp item is minor but worth verifying by walking around the vehicle with the ignition on to confirm all front side, head and indicator lamps function, and inspecting the lamp holder and wiring for corrosion. Given the mileage, also budget for likely replacement of brake discs and pads, check for any binding or uneven wear, and inspect the underbody, exhaust and brake lines for surface corrosion consistent with high annual mileage on a now sixteen year old platform.