2021 Skoda Octavia SE TSI 1.0L Petrol · NX71 XBY

The 2021 Skoda Octavia SE TSI holds a valid MOT that passed on 18 November 2025 at 44,845 miles, but the maintenance trend is currently worsening. The most recent test flagged reduced damping effect on both the nearside and offside front shock absorbers under item 5.3.2 (d). This is a new defect compared to the clean pass recorded just three weeks earlier on 27 October 2025 at 43,418 miles, suggesting a sudden deterioration in front suspension damping performance. The October test itself followed a failure on the same date for an ineffective offside front wiper blade, a minor consumable issue that was promptly rectified before the re-test. The 2024 test at 26,070 miles was entirely clean, meaning the shock absorber advisory is the first significant mechanical concern to appear in the vehicle's history. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a five-year-old car, averaging roughly 8,969 miles per year. The jump from 26,070 miles in October 2024 to 43,418 miles by October 2025 represents a notable acceleration in usage, with approximately 17,348 miles covered in a single year. This is nearly double the annual average and indicates the car has recently been used more intensively, likely for longer commutes or motorway work. The mileage then plateaued, recording 44,845 miles just over a month later in November 2025, which may suggest the vehicle has since been used sparingly or even stood for periods. The MOT record is sparse, with only four tests across the vehicle's life, but the data points are consistent and show no evidence of mileage tampering or gaps that would raise concern. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension, specifically the shock absorbers, given the dual damping failure flagged in November 2025. Reduced damping compromises ride control and can accelerate wear on coil springs, top mounts, and suspension bushes. The recent spike in mileage also warrants close examination of brake discs and pads, as well as tyre condition, since higher motorway use places greater thermal and mechanical stress on these components. The wiper blade failure in October 2025 was trivial and resolved, but it is worth confirming the condition of the rear wiper and washer system during any test drive. Beyond the flagged items, a buyer should inspect the subframe and suspension mounting points for corrosion, check exhaust emissions under cold start conditions, and verify that all dashboard warning lamps illuminate and extinguish correctly during ignition. The car's overall record is largely sound, but the fresh shock absorber defect demands attention before it compromises handling or causes an MOT failure at the next test due in November 2026.