2020 Skoda Octavia SE Technology TSI 1.5L Petrol · GL70 YPC

The most recent MOT on 8 December 2025 was passed but returned four advisories – a near‑side rear child‑seat obstructing full inspection of the adult belt, the near‑side front tyre approaching the legal tread limit and showing edge wear, slight cracking or perishing on the near‑side rear and off‑side rear tyres, and a light misting of oil from the near‑side front shock absorber. The previous year’s test only flagged the shock‑absorber oil mist, while the 2023 inspection was clean, indicating that tyre condition has deteriorated over the last two years while the suspension issue has persisted but not worsened to a failure. Overall the maintenance trend is stable in that no failures have been recorded, but the growing tyre advisories suggest a need for imminent attention to the wheel set. At 41 546 miles the Octavia has averaged roughly 6 900 miles per year since its first registration in 2020, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage band of 5 000‑8 000 miles annually. There are no large mileage gaps that would hint at prolonged periods of storage, so the wear observed on the tyres is more likely a function of age and road conditions rather than excessive mileage accumulation. The modest annual distance means that consumables such as brake pads, clutch, and suspension components are unlikely to be at the end of their service life, but the tyre wear pattern points to uneven loading or possible alignment drift that should be investigated. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular focus to the four tyres. The near‑side front tyre is close to the legal minimum tread depth and shows edge wear, which can be a symptom of mis‑alignment, incorrect tyre pressure, or worn suspension bushes. The cracking on the rear tyres suggests perishing of the rubber due to age, especially if the vehicle has spent time stationary; such perishing can lead to sudden tread loss or sidewall failure. On a test drive listen for a hollow thump or clunk when cornering, feel for any pull to one side, and check that the steering returns to centre promptly – these are indicators of alignment or bush wear. The light oil mist from the near‑side front shock absorber is an early sign of seal degradation; while not a failure, it can lead to reduced damping performance and increased body roll, so a mechanic should inspect the shock for seal replacement or consider a full replacement if the oil loss is progressing. Beyond the tyres, verify that the adult seat‑belt can be fully inspected and operated now that the child‑seat is removed – any obstruction could mask belt wear or fraying. Examine the 12‑volt battery for corrosion on the terminals and test its cranking voltage, as a six‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life, especially if the car has been idle for periods. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and ensure the pads have sufficient thickness; standing for long periods can cause disc corrosion that leads to shudder when braking. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil changes, coolant flushes, and that the timing‑belt or chain (as applicable to the TSI engine) has been replaced according to the manufacturer’s interval, typically every 60 000 miles or 5 years, to avoid catastrophic engine damage. A thorough visual check of hoses, coolant reservoir, and the condition of the exhaust system will round out the pre‑purchase examination.