2017 Skoda Octavia 2.0L Diesel · SE17 WWT

The vehicle presents a worrying maintenance trend characterized by recurring failures and a tendency to defer essential consumable replacements. While the most recent test on 19 March 2026 at 92,668 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed just hours earlier due to the offside front shock absorber having a negligible damping effect. This failure follows a long-standing issue with shock absorber oil misting that has appeared in every single MOT record since at least March 2022. The pattern suggests that while minor issues are eventually rectified to secure a pass, the underlying suspension wear is a persistent and worsening condition. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a typical usage pattern for a 2017 vehicle, averaging approximately 10,000 miles per year. The records show steady progression from 41,760 miles in July 2020 to the current 92,671 miles in March 2026. There are no significant gaps in the testing frequency, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use. However, the high frequency of failures regarding tyres and brake pads suggests that the previous owners often operated the vehicle until components reached critical wear limits or legal failure thresholds rather than performing proactive maintenance. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension system. The history of leaking shock absorbers and damping failures indicates that the entire strut assembly may require replacement soon to ensure stability. The brake system also requires scrutiny; the March 2024 failure for brake pads measuring less than 1.5mm, combined with a 2022 failure for a leaking brake master cylinder, highlights a history of braking component neglect. Finally, pay close attention to the tyres and wheel alignment. The records show a repetitive cycle of failures for tyres with exposed cords, uneven wear on inner edges, and cracking in the tread, specifically noted in the March 2024 and March 2022 tests. This pattern often points to incorrect wheel alignment or camber issues which could lead to premature wear on any new rubber fitted. Ensure the child seats are removed during any inspection to allow for a full, unobstructed check of the rear seatbelt anchorage points, which prevented a complete inspection in the most recent test.