2017 Skoda Superb 2.0L Diesel · FM66 WCT

The most recent MOT, conducted on 26 February 2026 at 129,469 miles, passed, but the advisory load is heavier than ideal for a vehicle of this age and mileage. The maintenance trend is not improving. Corrosion advisories are accumulating across the underbody, and a new defect, slight free play at the steering rack, has appeared on the latest test. While none of the corrosion items were deemed "seriously weakened," the pattern shows a steady year-on-year accumulation of rust advisories on the rear sub-frame, rear anti-roll bar, rear lower suspension arms, and rear driveshafts. The nearside front tyre also presented a cut on the most recent test, and both front wipers smear slightly, pointing to minor deferred upkeep. The vehicle has covered 129,469 miles over roughly nine years, averaging approximately 14,385 miles per year. This is a high annual rate. The mileage progression is consistent and well-documented, with no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps between tests. From 79,551 miles in January 2023, the car added 20,991 miles to reach 100,542 by January 2024, then another 16,508 miles by February 2025, and a further 12,419 miles by February 2026. The rate of accumulation has actually slowed slightly in the most recent year, but the cumulative total places heavy demands on consumables and structural components alike. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear undercarriage. The rear sub-frame, rear anti-roll bar, rear lower suspension arms, and rear driveshafts have all been repeatedly flagged for corrosion across multiple tests. While the testers have consistently noted the corrosion is not yet serious, the sheer number of affected components in the same area raises the risk of accelerated deterioration, particularly given the vehicle's high mileage and likely exposure to road salt. The rear coil springs have also been flagged for corrosion on both sides in recent years, and the rear shock absorbers showed a light oil misting as far back as January 2024. A thorough check of suspension bushings, spring condition, and shock absorber performance is essential. The steering rack free play detected in February 2026 is a new development that warrants immediate attention. Combined with the high mileage, this could indicate wear in the rack inner joints or steering column couplings. Brake wear has been a recurring theme, with pads and discs flagged as worn or wearing thin in the January 2024 failure and pitted front discs noted in January 2023. Tyre condition has also been inconsistent, with cuts and edge wear appearing on multiple occasions. Any pre-purchase inspection should include a road test specifically assessing steering precision, braking feel, and suspension noise over rough surfaces.