2014 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · FD14 ABZ

The most recent MOT history for this 2014 Škoda Octavia, tested just six months ago on 2025-11-08, reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle passed once and failed once at the same mileage (93,958 miles) in November 2025, suggesting either a technical oversight in the test process or an underlying issue that evaded detection. This inconsistency, combined with the lack of advisories or defects over the past three years, implies that while the car may have passed its most recent test, there is no clear evidence of proactive maintenance. The absence of any advisories—even for minor consumables—raises questions about whether the vehicle has been subjected to thorough servicing or if critical components have been overlooked. The recorded mileage of 93,958 miles over approximately 12 years aligns with typical usage patterns for this age, averaging around 7,800 miles annually. However, the MOT history is unusually sparse, with no tests recorded between November 2023 and November 2024, a gap of nearly a year. This suggests either a period of non-use or a lack of compliance with MOT requirements. The sudden accumulation of 4,931 miles between the 2024-11-09 failure and the 2024-11-22 pass—despite the same test date discrepancy—further complicates the narrative, as it implies either rapid usage or an error in the record. Without additional service history, it is impossible to confirm whether this mileage was driven under normal conditions or if the vehicle was subjected to heavy or irregular usage. Given the lack of advisories or defects in the MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components that are not routinely tested. The repeated failures at the same mileage in 2025 warrant scrutiny of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers or master cylinder, as binding brakes are a common cause of MOT failures that may not always be immediately apparent. Suspension components, including coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, should be examined for wear or corrosion, as these are critical for roadworthiness and often degrade gradually. Additionally, the structural integrity of the chassis and wheel arches should be assessed for signs of rust or damage, particularly in regions prone to salt corrosion. Given the age of the vehicle, the condition of the exhaust system—including catalytic converter efficiency—should also be verified, as this is a frequent source of advisory notes or failures in similar models.