2020 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TSI 1.5L Petrol · AF70 VLU

The vehicle's most recent DVSA MOT test was conducted on 9 October 2025 and resulted in a Pass, maintaining an unbroken sequence of pass outcomes across the three recorded tests. Evaluating the maintenance trajectory, the trend appears largely stable. The previous two tests in October 2023 and October 2024 were both completed with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the vehicle has generally been maintained to a satisfactory roadworthy condition. However, the 2025 test introduced three advisories, which, while not failures, signal emerging concerns that warrant attention before the next test or sale. This shift from a clean record to multiple advisories suggests a mild deterioration consistent with the vehicle's age and the effects of its relatively low usage pattern, and any prospective buyer should treat these advisories as predictive maintenance indicators rather than urgent failures. Regarding recorded mileage, this Skoda Octavia is approximately six years old yet has covered only 21,308 miles, equating to around 3,551 miles annually. This figure sits well below the average annual mileage for a UK passenger vehicle of this age and type. Low annual mileage often indicates a vehicle used predominantly for short journeys, school runs, or commuting light loads, which can carry its own mechanical implications such as more frequent short-trip wear patterns on the 12V battery, exhaust moisture accumulation, and reduced opportunity for the engine and drivetrain to reach and sustain full operating temperature. The absence of any recorded test prior to 2023, given the vehicle's registration year, combined with the low overall mileage, suggests the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which can accelerate certain age-related deterioration processes such as corrosion on brake discs, seizing or binding of brake calipers, perishing of rubber components, and degradation of brake fluid due to moisture absorption over time. Buyers should pay particular attention to the advisories noted during the 2025 MOT. The first advisory records an under-tray covered in oil, with the precise source of the leak undetermined due to the tray obscuring the view. This is a meaningful concern: oil leaks on the TSI petrol engine commonly originate from the cam chain tensioner, valve cover gasket, turbo oil feed or return lines, or the sump area. An undiagnosed leak could indicate a minor gasket seep or potentially a more serious pressurised system failure, and the under-tray should be removed for a thorough inspection prior to purchase. During a test drive, listen for any ticking or tapping from the upper engine area, observe for blue or grey exhaust smoke indicating oil combustion, and check for fresh oil residue on the driveway after the vehicle has been parked. The remaining two advisories concern perishing on the nearside front and offside rear tyres. Tyre rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth, and on a 2020-registered vehicle now approaching six years old, sidewall cracking and perishing are common findings. Any tyres showing such degradation should be replaced, as compromised sidewalls risk sudden failure under load. The matching age across multiple tyres suggests general rubber fatigue throughout the vehicle, and all four tyres, including the offside front and nearside rear, should be inspected for similar perishing. Uneven wear patterns should also be noted, as these can point to suspension or geometry issues. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age and usage-related inspections are recommended. Although the brake system has not raised any advisories, prolonged periods of standing can lead to corrosion pitting on the brake discs, particularly on the front axle, and the caliper slide pins may have begun to seize. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or squealing from the brakes, and verify that the vehicle pulls up in a straight line without juddering through the steering wheel. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as vehicles used for infrequent short trips often suffer reduced battery lifespan. Brake fluid should be inspected for colour and moisture content, with a flush recommended if it has not been serviced within the past two years, regardless of mileage. Coolant and automatic transmission fluid, where applicable, also degrade with time. The timing belt or cam chain service interval for this TSI engine should be confirmed against manufacturer schedules. Finally, verify that the vehicle history is supported by a complete service book, ideally with main dealer or specialist stamps, as the low mileage alone cannot confirm that scheduled servicing has been performed at the correct calendar intervals.