2015 Skoda Octavia 1.2L Petrol · AF15 MKA

The most recent MOT, dated 27 October 2025, was passed but returned three advisories: rear brake pads reported as wearing thin, light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber and a perished off‑side rear tyre. Over the preceding six years the record shows a pattern of recurring shock‑absorber oil misting, progressive tyre edge wear and a failure in 2023 for a deep cut on the nearside rear tyre. The frequency of advisory items, particularly the unchanged shock‑absorber condition and the repeat tyre‑perishing warnings, indicates that remedial work has not been fully addressed and the overall maintenance trend is more stagnant than improving, with a slight deterioration in tyre and brake health. At 95 510 miles the Octavia averages roughly 8 700 miles per annum, which is typical for a vehicle of its 2015 vintage. The mileage progression appears steady with no large gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of storage, meaning the wear observed is likely the result of normal use rather than sudden high‑kilometre abuse. Consequently the mechanical components that are mileage‑dependent – such as the brake discs, clutch, and suspension bushings – will have experienced moderate wear and should be inspected for signs of thinning, corrosion or loss of compliance. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension. The persistent oil mist on the nearside front shock absorber suggests seal degradation; on a test drive listen for a soft thump or clunk when traversing bumps and feel for excessive dive or rebound. A visual inspection under the bonnet should reveal any oil staining on the shock body or surrounding chassis, and the off‑side front shock, which also showed misting in 2020, ought to be examined for similar leakage. Replacement of the affected shock(s) is advisable before the damping performance deteriorates further, as worn shocks can accelerate tyre wear and compromise ride comfort. The tyre and brake advisories also merit immediate focus. All four tyres have been flagged for edge wear and perishing, and the off‑side rear tyre was recorded as perished in the latest test; inspect the tread depth, sidewall integrity and look for cracks or dry rot, especially given the vehicle’s age. Uneven wear may point to mis‑aligned wheels or worn suspension components, so a full wheel‑alignment check is prudent. The rear brake pads are thin and should be measured for remaining material; any pulsation, increased pedal travel or squealing on deceleration would indicate the need for pad and possibly disc replacement. Finally, verify the condition of the 12 V battery, check for any corrosion on terminal clamps, ensure that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended service intervals, and look for any signs of rust on the chassis or suspension mounting points that could have arisen from periods of inactivity. Addressing these items will give a clearer picture of the car’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it up to a reliable standard.