2019 Skoda Octavia 1.5L Petrol · BA68 CVR

The Skoda Octavia presents a generally sound mechanical picture, passing its most recent MOT on 8 April 2026 at 58,294 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, though a cluster of minor advisories has appeared in the last two years that warrants attention. Both front shock absorbers are consistently flagged for light oil misting, a condition present since at least April 2024 and again noted in April 2025 and April 2026. This suggests a slow, ongoing deterioration rather than a sudden failure. Front and rear brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored in three consecutive tests since April 2025, indicating sustained surface degradation across the braking system. Front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in the latest test, and both front tyres were measured at 2mm, sitting right at the legal minimum tread depth. None of these items constitute an outright failure, but together they paint a picture of a vehicle that has seen steady use without recent suspension or braking component renewal. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a seven-year-old vehicle. From 23,720 miles in January 2022 to 58,294 miles in April 2026, the car has covered roughly 34,574 miles over four years and three months, averaging about 8,000 miles per year. There are no alarming gaps in the MOT record suggesting long periods of inactivity, nor any sudden spikes in mileage that would point to unusually heavy use. The annual test dates have been fairly regular, moving from January to April in 2023, which is a common pattern for vehicles tested early in the calendar year and later brought forward. The data is clean and continuous, giving confidence that the recorded history is reliable. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and braking components, as these are the areas showing the most consistent wear. The persistent misting on both front shock absorbers suggests the seals are beginning to fail. While not an immediate MOT failure, it indicates the dampers are approaching the end of their serviceable life and may need replacement soon. The pitted and scored brake discs, combined with thin pads, suggest the braking system has been worked hard and may benefit from a thorough inspection of caliper slide pins and pad wear indicators. Tyres at 2mm are at the legal limit and will require replacement imminently, so budget for a fresh set of front rubber. Beyond the flagged items, the tester found no structural corrosion, exhaust emissions failures, or steering defects across the entire history. The clean passes in 2022 and 2023 with zero advisories show the car was well-maintained in its earlier years. The gradual accumulation of minor advisories since 2024 is typical for a vehicle approaching 60,000 miles and does not suggest neglect, but rather the natural ageing of consumable and wear components. A test drive over uneven surfaces will reveal whether the front dampers are knocking or bouncing excessively, and a firm brake application will show whether the pedal feels spongy or the car pulls to one side.