2021 Skoda Octavia SE Technology TSI 1.5L Petrol · GD21 DFN

The 2021 Skoda Octavia currently holds a valid MOT, having passed its most recent test on 7 January 2026, although it is worth noting that the same date also records a failed submission where the front windscreen washer was not operating. The most recent failure was a minor washer defect that is easily remedied, but the underlying pattern merits attention. Earlier in the cycle, the vehicle failed on 22 December 2024 with major advisories against both front suspension arm rear bushes for excessive wear, accompanied by an advisory that the rear brake pads were wearing thin. By the 31 December 2024 retest, those issues had been addressed and the car passed cleanly, suggesting that the suspension components were replaced or repaired appropriately. The overall maintenance trend is therefore one of a recent major repair followed by a clean pass, which is a more favourable picture than a pattern of repeated or unresolved defects, but the fact that both front bushes failed simultaneously indicates a wear characteristic worth monitoring as mileage accumulates further. The recorded mileage of 61,202 miles on a five-year-old vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 12,240 miles, which sits well above the typical UK usage figure of around 7,000 to 9,000 miles per year. This elevated rate of accumulation suggests consistent and likely motorway-leaning use, which accelerates wear on suspension components, brake discs and pads, clutch friction material (where applicable), tyres, and drivetrain mounts. There are no significant gaps in the recorded MOT history to suggest long periods of standing, which is positive in terms of avoiding corrosion from inactivity, but the higher-than-average mileage means that consumable replacement intervals will be reached sooner than the calendar date alone might imply. Prospective buyers should reconcile the MOT-recorded mileage against the dashboard odometer and ensure the service book corroborates the figures, as high-mileage discrepancies are a known concern in the used market. Given the front suspension arm bushes that wore excessively in late 2024, a test drive should pay particular attention to the front end, listening for any clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, speed humps, and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, all of which would indicate worn or perished bushes. Steering should feel precise without excess play, and uneven or feathered wear on the front tyres, particularly on the inner or outer shoulders, can corroborate worn suspension geometry. Inspect the tyres carefully for uneven tread wear across the axle, and verify that the rear brake pads, which were noted as wearing thin in 2024, have been replaced; uneven or scoring on the rear brake discs and any grinding noises under light braking would suggest deferred attention. The nearside front tyre also recorded a nail advisory at the most recent test, so a thorough inspection of all four tyres for embedded debris, bulges, and adequate tread depth above the legal 1.6mm minimum is essential. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage profile of this Octavia demands the usual calendar-based inspections that MOT testing does not cover. Brake fluid should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage, and a five-year-old vehicle should have had at least two changes by now, so verify this in the service history. Coolant and automatic transmission fluid, where applicable, also degrade with time, and the 12V battery on a heavily used car with frequent short cycles is likely approaching the end of its service life, particularly if original equipment. Inspect the underbody, jacking points, and exhaust system for corrosion, paying close attention to the rear silencer and mounting rubbers which are common failure points. Finally, confirm the timing chain or belt service interval compliance according to manufacturer schedule, as the TSI engine is particularly sensitive to oil maintenance neglect, and request evidence of recent oil and filter changes to ensure long-term engine durability.