2018 Skoda Superb 2.0L Diesel · BN18 LHO

The 2018 Skoda Superb carries a MOT history that alternates between clean passes and advisory warnings, culminating in a clean pass on 2026-01-10 following a period where the vehicle accumulated significant exposure. The 2024 test revealed a serious fluid leak in the nearside rear shock absorbers along with front brake disc wear, pad thinning, and compromised rear tyres, while subsequent tests in 2025 and 2026 showed continued compliance without new defects. This pattern indicates that while the vehicle has remained operationally capable, it experienced meaningful deterioration in key systems during mid-2024 that required attention before returning to passing standard. With 75,570 miles logged across approximately eight years, the average annual mileage of roughly 9,450 miles falls within normal expectations for this model's usage profile and does not suggest abnormal wear acceleration. However, the service interval between the 2024-01-12 failure and the 2025-01-16 pass spans only five months, indicating irregular maintenance scheduling, and another seven-month gap exists between the 2025 and 2026 tests. The 2024 failure specifically involved the nearside rear shock absorber suffering a fluid leak, which could compromise ride quality and handling if not resolved promptly, while the same period saw front brake disc scoring and pad thinning alongside deteriorating rear tyres that approached legal limits on both sides. The nearside rear shock absorber remains the primary mechanical concern requiring verification; a fluid leak indicated in January 2024 may manifest as visible seepage under the vehicle or increased wheel bounce when traversing uneven surfaces. Front brake disc wear and pad thinning should be checked during a test drive by noting any vibration through the steering wheel or pedal pulsation, particularly when decelerating from moderate speeds. Additionally, the recurrent rear tyre damage—including cracking and near-wear conditions reported in 2024 and again in 2022—demands a thorough visual inspection of tread depth, sidewall integrity, and the presence of any embedded objects that could cause premature wear or safety hazards. Buyers should treat the nearside rear suspension assembly as a critical item needing professional reassessment, especially given the documented fluid loss event, and confirm whether the shock mounts have been replaced and refilled according to manufacturer specifications. During the test drive, pay close attention to braking performance at speed, looking for any drag or spongy feel that might indicate ongoing disc or pad degradation, and test the steering response for any pulling or noise development that could signal developing suspension bushings or tie-down fatigue. Given the multiple rear tyre issues across two separate MOT cycles, a detailed tyre inspection including measurement of remaining tread on each wheel is essential to ensure adequate grip and safety margins.