2016 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · FH16 RXS

This Škoda Octavia’s most recent MOT, conducted just four months ago on 4 March 2026, reveals a vehicle in a precarious state, with critical failures and recurring issues that suggest neglect rather than routine maintenance. The testers flagged an inoperative near-side rear parking brake, insufficient brake lever reserve travel, and severe tyre wear—all of which indicate a vehicle that has not been properly serviced or repaired. The presence of an oil leak, while not deemed excessive, implies a chronic issue with seals or gaskets that has persisted since at least the last test. The trend over the past year is unambiguously worsening, with no intervening MOTs to suggest corrective action. The fact that the vehicle failed on 4 March 2026 despite passing the same day on a different test (likely due to a minor administrative oversight) underscores the instability of its condition. The recorded mileage of 131,411 miles over a decade—roughly 13,141 miles annually—is unusually high for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either aggressive use or prolonged periods of disuse followed by rapid accumulation. The gap between the 2025 MOT at 122,622 miles and the 2026 test at 131,410 miles represents just 10 months, yet the vehicle’s condition deteriorated sharply, with no intervening service or repair evident. The absence of defects in the 2025 and 2022 tests contrasts sharply with the 2026 failures, implying that critical components—particularly the rear brakes and tyres—have been allowed to degrade without intervention. The lack of a 2024 MOT is particularly concerning, as it would have provided a critical checkpoint for addressing the emerging issues. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate, thorough inspection of the rear brake system, focusing on the near-side caliper and parking brake mechanism, which the MOT record confirms as faulty. The severe tyre wear on all rear tyres—both edges worn and one exhibiting cracking—indicates alignment issues or prolonged underinflation, likely exacerbated by the high mileage. The oil leak, though not excessive, warrants inspection of the valve cover, rear main seal, or transmission mounts, as these are common sources of such leaks in this model. Structural integrity should also be assessed, particularly around the rear wheel arches, where tyre damage suggests potential corrosion or impact damage. Given the vehicle’s history, independent verification of brake fluid condition, suspension bush wear, and exhaust system integrity is essential, as these areas are often overlooked until failure.