2020 Skoda Octavia SE Technology TSI 1.5L Petrol · OV70 ODW

A six-year-old Skoda Octavia SE Technology TSI with 32,701 miles on the odometer carries a broadly clean MOT history, but the single failure recorded in October 2024 warrants careful attention because it concerns a dangerous brake defect rather than a minor advisory. The vehicle passed its first test on 2023-11-08 with no defects recorded, then re-presented on 2024-10-30 where it failed on a dangerous defect: an offside rear brake pad incorrectly mounted. The same test simultaneously issued advisories relating to driver's view obstructions and child seats restricting inspection of the adult belts. A re-test on the same day returned a pass, indicating the brake pad issue was rectified before the vehicle left the station, and the most recent test on 2025-10-31 passed with only the same recurring advisory items relating to a phone holder obscuring the driver's view and child seats again fitted across the rear, preventing full inspection of the adult belts. The recurring driver's view and child seat advisories are not mechanical defects and do not reflect on its roadworthiness, but the brake pad mounting issue is a genuine mechanical concern that should be investigated before purchase. At roughly 5,450 miles per year over six years, this Octavia sits firmly in low-mileage territory for its age, which can mean reduced wear on high-cycle consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres and clutch friction material, but it can also mask issues associated with extended standing, including surface corrosion on brake discs, dried seals, and degraded rubber components. There are no notable testing gaps in the recorded history and mileage progression appears consistent with steady, light use rather than long periods off the road or sudden mileage spikes, which means the underlying mechanical condition is likely to track closely with age rather than distance. Light usage does not exempt the vehicle from corrosion or component fatigue checks, but it does reduce the likelihood of wear-related suspension or drivetrain defects appearing on the MOT record. Before purchase, particular attention should be directed to the offside rear brake assembly given the dangerous mounting defect recorded in 2024. Inspect the offside rear caliper, pad retaining pins, springs, and shim clips for correct seating and even wear on both inner and outer pads, as an incorrectly mounted pad often signals either a previous improper refit or worn locating hardware. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding or squeal from the rear offside corner under light braking, and feel for any pulling, judder or imbalance through the brake pedal, particularly during the first firm application from speed. Confirm that the rear brake discs are free from excessive lip, scoring or rust pitting, as low annual mileage combined with a recent pad issue can leave the mating surfaces unevenly worn. The suspension and steering geometry should also be checked thoroughly on a road test, as the MOT record shows no advisories in these areas but a low-mileage car can develop sticky bushes, perished rubber or seized linkages through inactivity rather than wear. Push the front and rear corners firmly by hand and feel for any knocking, clonking or looseness over uneven surfaces, particularly through the rear offside where the brake work was carried out. Verify that the electronic stability control, handbrake operation and rear brake balance are functioning correctly, as incorrect pad fitment can occasionally leave air in the rear hydraulic circuit or cause the electronic parking brake calibration to drift. Finally, request evidence of the rectification work carried out following the October 2024 dangerous failure, including any parts invoices or workshop records, so the precise cause of the mounting defect can be established before committing to the purchase.