2017 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · SC17 VJM

The most recent MOT on 20 March 2026 was passed, with only a minor advisory for a defective near‑side front windscreen wiper blade. Earlier in the series the vehicle recorded a major tyre failure in April 2025 and a series of serious rear‑tyre and shock‑absorber advisories in 2023, but those items have not re‑appeared in the subsequent tests. The pattern therefore suggests that the major defects identified in recent years have been addressed, and the MOT results have stabilised, indicating a maintenance trend that is now improving after a period of deterioration. At nine years old the Octavia has logged 76,519 miles, which works out to roughly 8,500 miles per annum – a usage rate that sits comfortably within the normal UK average. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would point to periods of intensive short‑term use, nor are there large gaps that would imply the car has been sitting idle for extended periods. The relatively moderate annual mileage means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components should be proportionate to age rather than excessive mileage, but age‑related degradation must still be considered. For a prospective buyer the tyre condition deserves the most scrutiny. The near‑side front tyre suffered a cut deep enough to reach the ply in 2025, and the near‑side rear tyre was declared dangerous in 2023 with exposed cords and a nail puncture. Verify that both front and rear tyres have been replaced since those advisories and inspect the current tread depth, sidewall integrity and wear pattern on all four wheels. Uneven wear, especially on the inner or outer edges, can signal mis‑aligned wheels, worn suspension bushes or failing coil springs. On a test drive listen for clunks or thuds when passing over bumps, and feel for any pull to one side that may indicate alignment or tyre issues. The 2023 advisory about light oil misting from the off‑side front shock absorber suggests a possible seal leak; have a qualified technician pressurise the shock and look for oil seepage, excessive bounce or a soft, bottoming‑out feel. While the MOT record shows no recent brake faults, the car’s age and periods of low mileage mean brake discs may have developed surface rust or the calipers could be binding – check for a pulsating pedal, uneven pad wear or a squealing noise when applying the brakes. Inspect the battery terminals and test the charge, as a nine‑year‑old battery can lose capacity even with modest use. Finally, examine the under‑carriage for corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed in line with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, as fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage.