2013 Skoda Superb 1.6L Diesel · CS04 HAN

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, however the immediately preceding test on 17 November 2025 was a FAIL with four Major defects recorded against the front lighting and headlamp levelling system, indicating that rectification work was undertaken between the two dates rather than the vehicle passing first time. Reviewing the broader pattern across the last four years, the maintenance trend is best characterised as stable but heavily advisory-laden, with every annual test recording persistent issues relating to deteriorated number plates and corrosion on the rear anti-roll bar, and several failures triggered by suspension wear, brake condition, and front lamp defects. The recurrence of suspension arm rear bushes failing on the nearside across 2023 and 2024, followed by headlamp levelling faults in 2025, suggests a vehicle accumulating wear in a predictable but ongoing manner, and a buyer should not interpret the latest pass as evidence of a fully resolved mechanical state. With a recorded mileage of 195,792 miles over approximately thirteen years, this Skoda Superb is averaging around 15,061 miles per year, which is notably higher than typical private or fleet usage and places sustained demand on the engine, clutch or automatic transmission, turbocharger, braking system, and suspension components. There are no significant standing periods evident from the MOT record, as testing has been annual without long gaps, meaning the high mileage is genuine accrued use rather than dormant storage. This level of annual mileage accelerates wear on timing chains, dual mass flywheels, injectors, and oil and coolant seals, while the braking and suspension components recorded in the advisories have already begun to reflect that intensity. A prospective buyer should treat this as a high-mileage example requiring comprehensive service history verification rather than relying on MOT currency alone. Given the recurring advisories and previous failures, particular physical attention should be directed toward the front suspension. The nearside rear suspension arm bush has been recorded as excessively worn in both 2023 and 2024, and any renewal should be confirmed with evidence, as unchecked movement in this area typically produces clonking or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven tyre wear on the inner or outer edges. On a test drive, listen for suspension creaks or clunks on full lock, particularly when pulling away or braking, and inspect the inner and outer shoulders of the front tyres for uneven feathering. The rear coil springs were recorded as corroded in 2022 and one fractured on the nearside in 2023, so remaining springs should be inspected for surface rust, pitting, or any sign of sagging that may compromise ride height. The rear anti-roll bar corrosion advisory in 2023, 2024, and 2025 should be monitored; while not yet seriously weakened, repeated advisories of this nature indicate progressive deterioration that may eventually warrant replacement. The braking system history also warrants close scrutiny, with an offside front brake pad failure recorded as Dangerous in 2022 and a worn brake disc advisory at the same time. A buyer should inspect pad and disc thickness on both front corners, feeling for a raised lip on the disc outer edge and checking for brake shudder under firm pedal pressure which suggests disc runout. The parking brake lever was reported with a worn ratchet in 2023 and a worn but acceptable lever in 2024, indicating the handbrake mechanism is operating within tolerance but at the end of its service life, so confirm it holds the vehicle on an incline without excessive travel. The crossover brake pipe advisory from 2023 is particularly important, as corroded or greased brake lines are a safety-critical item that may have deteriorated further. Additionally, given the 2025 headlamp levelling failure caused by a broken component on the nearside front suspension arm, verify that the headlamp beam pattern is correctly aligned and that both levelling motors function correctly. Finally, even though the number plate deterioration is a cosmetic advisory, ensure a current and legible plate is fitted, and consider a compression test, timing chain inspection, and full underbody examination given the high mileage, as corrosion on the rear anti-roll bar may be representative of broader chassis condition not fully visible during an MOT.