2015 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · M993 ARK

The latest MOT test on 6 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle carries significant advisories regarding the inner edge wear of both rear tyres. When reviewing the wider history, the maintenance trend regarding tyre health is concerning and appears to be worsening. There is a persistent pattern of tyre degradation, ranging from perishing in 2024 to a dangerous failure due to exposed cords in 2025, and recurring inner edge wear throughout 2025 and 2026. This indicates a failure to address underlying alignment issues or a general neglect of routine consumable replacement. The recorded mileage of 63,926 miles over approximately 11 years is notably low, averaging roughly 5,811 miles per year. While this suggests less mechanical stress on the engine and gearbox, such low usage often introduces different risks. Vehicles that spend extended periods stationary are more susceptible to the perishing of rubber components and the degradation of fluids. The MOT history confirms this, as evidence of tyre perishing appeared as early as 2024, suggesting the car may have been used infrequently or stored in conditions that accelerated rubber decay. The recurring reports of bad inner edge wear on both the front and rear tyres are a strong indicator of incorrect wheel alignment, specifically excessive negative camber or incorrect toe settings. A prospective buyer should carefully inspect the tread depth across the full width of all tyres; any significant difference between the centre and the inner edge confirms a geometry issue. During a test drive, be alert for any tendency of the vehicle to drift or pull to one side, and listen for increased road noise, which often accompanies uneven tyre wear. This issue must be rectified with a professional four-wheel alignment to prevent premature tyre failure. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, several other physical checks are essential. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as rubber degrades chronologically regardless of the miles covered. Examine the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting, and ensure the calipers are not binding, which can occur when a car sits for long periods. It is also critical to verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other essential fluids have been changed based on calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. Finally, have the 12V battery tested, as low-usage vehicles frequently suffer from premature battery failure due to insufficient charging cycles.