2011 Skoda Octavia 1.4L Petrol · FR11 LWV

The vehicle presents a stable but aging maintenance profile, passing its most recent MOT on 12 November 2025 at 21,067 miles. While the car remains roadworthy, the record shows a persistent trend of recurring advisories rather than a clean history. The most recent test flagged a defective nearside rear reflector and worn suspension arm bushes on both the nearside and offside front lower arms. These specific suspension issues have appeared consistently since at least November 2021, suggesting that while the faults are not yet critical enough to cause a failure, they are long-standing. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 2011 model, with only 21,067 miles recorded as of late 2025. The vehicle has covered roughly 1,400 miles per year, which is significantly below the UK average. The data shows very gradual increases, such as the 350-mile increment between the November 2024 and November 2025 tests. This low usage often indicates a vehicle that sits idle for extended periods, which can lead to the degradation of rubber components and tyres regardless of physical distance travelled. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the suspension system and rubber perishables. The repeated advisories for worn suspension arm bushes on the front lower arms since 2021 indicate that these components are nearing the end of their serviceable life. The 2021 test also highlighted cracking and perishing tyres, a common symptom of low-mileage vehicles where rubber dries out from age rather than tread wear. You should inspect the condition of all suspension bushings, ball joints, and tyre sidewalls for signs of cracking or dry rot. The recurring issue with the nearside rear reflector, noted in every test from 2021 through 2025, suggests a lack of attention to minor cosmetic or non-critical lighting defects. While not a major mechanical risk, it reflects a pattern of addressing only the bare minimum required to pass the inspection. Ensure the reflector is replaced and check that the low-mileage usage has not resulted in any seized brake calipers or fuel system issues due to stagnation.