2005 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · DE55 DKA

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed its most recent MOT in November 2025 at 147,065 miles. The maintenance trend appears stable but reactive. While the car failed on that same day due to a defective nearside rear brake cable guide, the fault was rectified immediately to achieve a pass. The lack of defects in the November 2023 test suggests a period of mechanical stability between the recurring failures and advisories seen other years. At 147,065 miles over 21 years, the Octavia has averaged approximately 7,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical low-to-moderate usage. The record shows consistent annual testing with mileage increases of roughly 10,000 to 15,000 miles between 2022 and 2025. This regular interval suggests the vehicle has not sat stationary for long periods, though the age of the car increases the likelihood of degradation in rubber components and structural metal. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the offside rear sill, where the tester flagged corrosion in November 2024 at 136,334 miles. Structural rust on sills is a primary concern for a vehicle of this era and can lead to MOT failure if left untreated. Additionally, the offside front brake pipe should be inspected for continued corrosion, as the 2022 test noted it was degraded and covered in grease, which often hides deep seated decay from the tester. The braking system also shows a history of wear-related issues, evidenced by the 2025 brake cable guide failure and the 2022 advisory regarding corroded pipes. The buyer should check for binding calipers or uneven pad wear to ensure the recent repairs have held correctly. Given the history of worn-edge tyres noted in 2022, the current suspension bushings and alignment should be examined for signs of uneven wear that may have caused premature tyre degradation.