2016 Skoda Superb 2.0L Petrol · MP07 JSP

The defining mechanical narrative across this Skoda Superb's MOT history is a pattern of persistent tyre wear and chassis integrity concerns set against an otherwise roadworthy record. The latest test on 12 June 2026 produced both a pass and a fail on the same date: the failure was driven entirely by headlamp aim on both front lamps being too low, while an advisory flagged the offside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. Tracing back through the seven recorded tests, edge wear on front tyres has been a recurring theme, with advisories in June 2023 (offside front inner edge), June 2021 (offside front edge), and now again in 2026, suggesting an alignment or suspension geometry issue that has not been definitively resolved. The structural advisory from June 2025 regarding deformation of the nearside front outer sill, although assessed as not significantly reducing structural rigidity, is a notable chassis finding that warrants close physical inspection. Outside of these recurring tyre and structural notes, the vehicle has passed every test, with no brake, exhaust, or emissions failures recorded, though minor defects such as a deteriorating front number plate and a partially defective nearside rear reflector have appeared in multiple consecutive tests. Recorded mileage of 123,338 miles over a ten-year span equates to roughly 12,334 miles per year, which is high relative to the average for a vehicle of this age and class. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent year on year, with no multi-year gaps in the testing record, indicating continuous use rather than extended periods of standing. However, this high annual accumulation means that consumable components such as brake pads, brake discs, tyres, and suspension bushes will have been subjected to considerably more wear than a lower-mileage equivalent, and there is a higher likelihood that original clutch, dual-mass flywheel, and drivetrain components may be approaching or have exceeded typical service life. The annual test cadence combined with steady mileage increases provides reassurance that the recorded odometer readings are likely to be accurate and that the vehicle has been in regular service throughout its life. Given the recurring front tyre edge wear advisories spanning five years, particular attention should be paid to suspension geometry on a test drive. With the engine running, turn the steering from lock to lock and listen for any clonking or groaning from the front suspension, which could indicate worn lower wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount bearings. On the road, any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration, or a feeling of vagueness through the steering wheel, would suggest the geometry issues flagged by the tyres have not been addressed. Inspect the offside front inner shoulder closely for feathering, and check the nearside front outer sill area where structural deformation was recorded in 2025, looking for any progression of corrosion or cracking around the deformation. Press down firmly on each front wing and release; if the vehicle takes more than one and a half bounces to settle, the front dampers or springs may be weakened, which is worth probing given the general high-mileage context. The shock absorber misting advisories recorded on both rear units in June 2021 should not be dismissed lightly, as rear dampers on a high-mileage vehicle can deteriorate further even if they were not flagged again. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, and feel for excessive floatiness or continued bouncing after crests, which would indicate the rear damping is compromised. Check the headlamp aim visually against a flat wall in low light conditions; both front lamps being too low in June 2026 could simply be a manual adjustment issue, but it may also point to weakened headlamp mounting brackets or sagging from repeated adjustment. Finally, given the high annual mileage, budget for near-term replacement of brake pads and discs, confirm the timing belt or chain service interval status in writing, and verify the condition of the dual-mass flywheel if it is a manual, as these are known wear items on high-mileage Superbs and would represent a significant cost if they have not been attended to.