2013 Skoda Octavia 1.6L Diesel · CV63 DZX

Recurring issues with shock absorber oil misting and brake pipe corrosion define the mechanical profile of this Skoda Octavia, which most recently passed its MOT on 12 August 2026. The inspection history shows a persistent pattern of suspension damping issues, with both nearside front and offside rear shock absorbers flagged for light oil misting in the 2026, 2025, 2024, and 2021 tests. Furthermore, the nearside rear brake pipe has been noted for corrosion under its coating or within its plastic covering across the 2025 and 2026 tests. While the vehicle has maintained a passing status since a dangerous failure in 2020 regarding tyre tread depth and cord damage, the frequency of advisories related to suspension, braking components, and tyres suggests a trend of ongoing wear and component degradation. The vehicle has covered 139,638 miles over approximately 13 years, which equates to an average annual usage of roughly 10,741 miles. This mileage accumulation is consistent with typical UK driving patterns for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this level of usage suggests that components such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and braking systems are subject to standard age-related wear and tear. The steady mileage progression indicates regular road use rather than long periods of stationary storage, which aligns with the consistent annual MOT testing frequency observed in the records. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems during a test drive. Given the repeated advisories for oil misting on the shock absorbers, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that the damping effect has diminished beyond the current advisory stage. The recurring advisory regarding the nearside rear brake pipe being corroded or covered in material warrants a visual inspection of the line for any signs of significant structural degradation or weeping. Additionally, the history of pitted or scored brake discs in 2024 suggests that the braking system's consumables should be checked for smoothness and effectiveness to ensure there is no pedal judder or uneven braking performance. Tyre wear also appears to be a frequent point of concern in the MOT history, with various tyres flagged for being worn close to the legal limit or having uneven wear patterns on the edges. During a test drive, check for any pulling to one side or steering instability, which could be linked to the previously noted play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage or uneven tyre wear. The presence of an oil leak advisory in 2024 also necessitates a careful check of the engine bay and underbody for any active drips or significant oil staining that might indicate a developing leak beyond the previously recorded non-excessive amount.