2021 Skoda Octavia SE TSI E-TEC S-A 1.0L Hybrid electric · NX71 XCL

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 20 October 2025 at 136,436 miles, but the result was far from clean. Three separate tyre defects were flagged, indicating a maintenance trend that is currently stable at best and arguably slipping. The tester noted the offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and worn on both edges, a classic sign of prolonged under-inflation or misaligned tracking. The nearside rear tyre showed sidewall cracking and perishing, while the offside rear had a nail embedded near the sidewall. None of these were pre-existing advisories from a prior test, as this is the only MOT record available, so there is no historical trend to compare against. The pass is valid, but the nature of the defects suggests basic consumable upkeep has been neglected in the months leading up to the test. The mileage pattern is striking. At roughly 27,287 miles per year, this Octavia has been driven at nearly double the UK average annual mileage of around 12,000 to 15,000 miles. The single recorded MOT entry at 136,436 miles on 20 October 2025 is the only data point available, so there is no prior history to establish whether the mileage accumulated steadily or in sudden bursts. The absence of earlier MOT records for a 2021 vehicle is unusual, as a first MOT would have been due in 2024 at the three-year mark. This gap raises questions about whether the vehicle was off-road, exported and re-imported, or simply not tested until late 2025. The high mileage on a five-year-old car means suspension bushes, brake discs, shock absorbers, and drivetrain components have endured significant stress relative to the vehicle's age. A buyer should inspect the front suspension and steering geometry carefully. The offside front tyre wearing on both edges points to either a tracking misalignment or chronic under-inflation, either of which accelerates wear on inner and outer tread blocks and can indicate neglected wheel geometry checks. The nearside rear sidewall cracking raises concerns about the age and condition of all four tyres, as perished rubber compromises structural integrity regardless of remaining tread depth. The nail in the offside rear near the sidewall is particularly concerning, as sidewall punctures are generally not repairable under BS AU 159 standards, meaning that tyre may need replacement rather than a plug repair. Beyond the tyres, the high annual mileage warrants a thorough inspection of the braking system, including disc thickness, pad wear, and caliper operation, as well as a check of suspension components such as drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, and coil springs for fatigue or corrosion. The DSG automatic gearbox, if fitted, should have its fluid and filter service history verified, as high-mileage units are sensitive to neglected changes. Underbody rust, particularly around subframes and suspension mounting points, should be examined given the mileage load. The MOT record is sparse and recent, so a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage is strongly advised before committing to this vehicle.