2016 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · MA65 LWC

A pattern of chronic advisories centred on the front suspension and rear braking system defines the mechanical story of this 2016 Skoda Octavia, even though it has passed every DVSA test on record. The vehicle passed its most recent examination on 29 October 2025 with no defects recorded, continuing a run of passes that stretches back to 2021. However, advisory items have appeared repeatedly: light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber was noted in both 2021 and 2022, while the 2022 test also flagged imbalanced rear braking performance and rear tyres worn close to the legal limit on both edges. This points to a chassis and braking package that is approaching the point where advisory notes typically graduate into formal failure items, particularly as the dampers and rear brake components continue to deteriorate with accumulated mileage and age. With 100,657 miles recorded on a ten year old vehicle, the annual accumulation rate of roughly 10,000 miles is entirely typical for its age and indicates a car that has been in regular service rather than left standing. The annual MOT cadence shows continuous use with no extended gaps in testing, which is favourable for preserving component integrity, particularly regarding seals, brake hydraulics, and drivetrain lubricants. Consistent yearly mileage of this magnitude tends to accelerate wear on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, brake discs and pads, and clutch components, so even though the car has not failed an MOT, a buyer should expect that several serviceable items will be due for replacement in the near term. Given the recurring nearside front shock absorber oil misting, particular attention should be paid to this damper during inspection. Listen for a knocking or clonking noise from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for any wallowing or poor damping control over undulating tarmac. Inspect the shock absorber body for fresh oil residue or a wet sheen that would suggest the seal deterioration is progressing beyond the light misting recorded previously. Likewise, examine the front suspension wishbones, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes, as these wear items tend to fail alongside ageing dampers and would manifest as imprecise steering or clonking over rough roads. The rear brake imbalance advisory from the 2022 test warrants a thorough evaluation of the rear braking system. On a test drive, the car should pull up squarely without any rear-end lock-up tendency, and the handbrake should hold firmly on an incline. A spongy pedal feel, rear-end judder under braking, or excessive handbrake travel would suggest that the rear calipers, drums or shoes require attention. Additionally, the rear tyres should be inspected for inner and outer edge wear, as the 2022 advisory noted wear on both sides, which can indicate either suspension geometry issues or alignment problems from worn rear bushings. A four-wheel alignment check and a close inspection of all four shock absorbers, brake discs, pads, and flexible brake hoses would be prudent before committing to purchase.