2016 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · PL65 EHT

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 22 October 2025 with a single advisory note regarding light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. Reviewing the broader history, the car has consistently passed its annual tests since a dangerous failure in early 2020 for a structurally compromised offside front tyre, and the post-2020 sequence shows a steady pattern of clean passes punctuated by low-level advisories and one minor defect. The accumulation of advisory items around shock absorbers over consecutive tests is a modest cause for monitoring rather than immediate concern, but a buyer should remain attentive to whether the misting has progressed into a more substantive fluid loss. The intermittent tailgate fault advisory from late 2024 is also worth flagging, as electrical faults of this nature can be indicative of wiring loom wear, water ingress into rear hatch connectors, or a failing central locking or release mechanism. Overall, the trend is broadly stable with no serious structural or braking advisories on record, suggesting reasonable maintenance discipline, though the age and mileage warrant careful physical appraisal before purchase. The Octavia has covered 115,721 miles over approximately ten years of service, equating to an annual average of around 11,572 miles per year. This figure sits squarely within the typical usage bracket for a vehicle of this age and indicates consistent, real-world driving rather than extended periods of standing or unusually high mileage accumulation. Such a usage pattern generally promotes reasonable mechanical longevity, particularly for the engine, clutch, and drivetrain, as regular operation helps prevent issues associated with condensation in oils, flat spots in tyres, and corrosion on brake components. However, at this mileage the timing belt or cam belt replacement interval will almost certainly have been reached at least once, and the dual-mass flywheel, clutch, turbocharger (if applicable), and diesel particulate filter (if a diesel variant) should all be considered as items approaching or within their natural service windows. Confirmation of a fully stamped service history and evidence of major interval items being addressed will be essential. The recurring advisory regarding oil misting on the shock absorbers across multiple test dates suggests these units are approaching the end of their effective service life. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during heavier braking, as well as any excessive vertical bouncing after pressing down on each corner. Feel for imprecise or wandering steering behaviour, particularly on motorway driving, which can also indicate worn front dampers. The nearside rear unit is the most recent to be flagged and should be physically inspected for any oil staining running down the body of the damper, along with a check that the surrounding coil spring and mounting bushes remain sound. Given the age of the vehicle, the original suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and top mount bearings will also be subject to natural wear and benefit from a visual inspection from underneath for perishing, cracking, or excess play. Beyond the recorded defects, a prospective buyer should carry out several age- and mileage-related checks. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking and perishing, particularly as this was flagged on the rear pair back in 2021; even unused or lightly used tyres degrade from age, and any rubber over six years old warrants careful scrutiny or replacement. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping and corrosion, and the calipers should be checked to ensure they are releasing cleanly without binding. The 12-volt battery is likely due for replacement given the vehicle's age, and a load test is advisable. All fluid services, including brake fluid (typically every two years), coolant, and transmission oil, should be confirmed as up to date, and the underside of the car examined for any signs of fluid leaks, corrosion, or worn drivetrain components consistent with the recorded mileage.