2013 Skoda Octavia 1.6L Diesel · FV63 BDZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent MOT test in October 2025 at 98,146 miles passed after an immediate failure just one mile prior. This failure centered on suspension components, specifically the anti-roll bar linkage and lower arm ball joint dust covers. While the car passed after these, the recurring nature of suspension faults suggests that the owner only addresses mechanical issues once they reach the point of legal test failure. The mileage profile is consistent with a 13-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,550 miles per year. Between October 2023 at 84,835 miles and October 2025 at 98,146 miles, the car covered 13,311 miles, indicating a steady and typical rate of use. However, the low annual mileage has not prevented the degradation of rubber-based components, as evidenced by the repeated reports of perished tyres and deteriorating dust covers despite the low distance driven. A buyer should focus inspection on the front suspension assembly and shock absorbers. The record shows a persistent misting of oil on the shocks dating back to 2023, which has not been noted as resolved in later. Furthermore, the failure of the ball joint dust covers in 2025 indicates that the rubber seals across the suspension are reaching the end of their life. The braking system also requires close attention; the 2023 failure for low parking brake efficiency and thin pads suggests that the braking hardware is frequently run near its limits, necessitating a physical check of the current thickness of the discs and the condition of the handbrake mechanism.