2009 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · LO09 FXS

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT in September 2025 at 182,422 miles, though with advisories concerning corrosion to front and rear suspension component mounting areas. This represents a stable but persistent pattern of structural corrosion noted since at least August 2022. The failure in August 2022 was primarily due to severely worn rear brake discs and pads, plus an inoperative offside parking brake. Subsequent tests show these critical brake components were replaced, as no further major brake failures occurred. However, recurring advisories for thin front brake pads and worn discs, alongside continuing suspension bush wear and shock absorber damage, indicate an ageing vehicle requiring ongoing, substantial maintenance. The consistent corrosion advisories on structural mounting points are the most significant long-term concern. Mileage accumulation appears consistent with typical use for a 17-year-old vehicle. The recorded mileages show annual increases of approximately 7,500 to 8,500 miles between 2022 and 2024, with a slightly lower increase of about 4,000 miles to the September 2025 test. This pattern suggests regular, average annual mileage without unusual gaps or spikes that might indicate periods of neglect or excessive commercial use. The MOT history is complete with annual tests, providing a clear maintenance record. A buyer must physically inspect the suspension mounting areas for advanced corrosion, as this is a recurring structural advisory. The offside and nearside front suspension arm bushes were flagged as worn in 2023, and rear anti-roll bar linkage bushes have shown play since 2022. All three shock absorbers were noted with external damage or oil misting in 2022 and 2023, suggesting potential imminent failure. While the catastrophic rear brake wear from the 2022 failure was rectified, the persistent advisories for front brake pad and disc wear mean the braking system should be assessed for remaining service life. The parking brake's previous inoperative failure must be verified as fully functional during a test drive.