2016 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · KW16 AOS

The 2016 Skoda Octavia passed its most recent MOT on 13 June 2026 at 141,624 miles, just four days ago, and remains legally roadworthy. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but shows a minor recurring front-end concern. The tester flagged slight play in the Nearside Front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, a defect that also appeared in the April 2025 test at 133,221 miles. This suggests the joint has been slowly wearing over the past year rather than failing catastrophically. The Offside Front tyre was also noted as worn close to the legal limit on the most recent test, a consumable item that requires prompt replacement. The vehicle has covered 141,624 miles over roughly ten years, averaging around 14,162 miles per year, which is high for its age. Mileage accumulation has accelerated noticeably in recent years. Between November 2022 at 70,586 miles and May 2023 at 80,101 miles, the car covered 9,515 miles in just six months. The step from May 2023 to April 2024 added another 35,240 miles, and the final jump to June 2026 added 26,283 miles over roughly two years. This pattern indicates sustained high motorway or fleet-style use, placing accelerated wear on suspension bushes, brake components, and drivetrain mounts. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering. The recurring anti-roll bar linkage play on the nearside points to a joint that will eventually need replacement, and the offside should be checked for a matching wear pattern. Given the high mileage, the condition of the front brake discs and pads warrants close attention, along with the rear calipers for any sign of binding. The engine and under-body covers noted in the 2025 test should be inspected to confirm they are still secure and not masking corrosion or fluid leaks underneath. Structural rust is not mentioned in any test record, which is encouraging, but the underbody should still be examined given the mileage and age. The exhaust system, particularly the flexi-joint and mounting rubbers, should be checked for deterioration. Tyre condition across all four corners, including the spare if fitted, should be verified, as the record shows repeated edge wear on the front axle that may indicate tracking or suspension geometry issues beyond simple wear.