2018 Skoda Octavia 1.6L Diesel · WM18 OGX

A pattern of front-axle tyre wear dominates the MOT history of this 2018 Skoda Octavia and is the defining mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. Across the 2022, 2023, and 2026 tests, the nearside front tyre has been flagged repeatedly for being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge, with tread depths recorded as low as 1.6mm in 2023 and 3mm in 2026. This recurring inner or outer edge wear on the same corner is a classic symptom of a geometry issue such as incorrect camber, caster, or toe settings, or potentially worn front suspension components altering wheel alignment. The 2026 test sequence also recorded a Major failure for a deep nearside front tyre defect penetrating to the ply or cords, alongside an illuminated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System light, indicating an active deflation or sensor fault that should be resolved before purchase. The broader trajectory is one of escalating tyre-related defects after a clean 2021 and 2025 return, suggesting the underlying cause of the uneven wear has not been rectified. Annual mileage accumulation averages approximately 10,200 miles per year over the eight-year life of the vehicle, which is broadly typical for a diesel or petrol Octavia of this vintage and points to consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record or sudden mileage jumps between tests, indicating the car has remained in regular service rather than being laid up for extended periods. At this mileage, consumable wear on braking components, clutch friction material, and suspension bushes is expected to be moderate, and the recorded brake pad advisory from 2023 aligns with a vehicle that has covered reasonable annual distances. The absence of corrosion advisories, structural defects, or lighting failures across all recorded tests suggests the bodyshell and general engineering integrity have held up well under this usage pattern. Buyers should focus their inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry, as this is clearly where the vehicle's mechanical story lies. A four-wheel alignment check is strongly advisable, and any test drive should include listening for clonking or knocking from the front struts or top mounts over speed bumps, feeling for vagueness or wandering in the steering, and checking for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear on the front tyres. The 2024 advisory noted light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, which is not yet a failure but warrants a close look for any worsening seepage or damping degradation, particularly on undulating roads where the damper should feel controlled on the rebound stroke. Equally, the 2026 illuminated TPMS warning should be diagnosed to confirm whether it relates to a genuine low-pressure condition, a faulty sensor, or a recent wheel change, as ignoring it can mask slow punctures that accelerate sidewall damage. The rear axle has been comparatively quiet, with only two advisories for slight cracking or perishing of the offside rear tyre in 2022 and 2024, and a nearside rear brake pad thinning note in 2023. Brake feel should be checked at speed for any pulling to one side, pedal judder under firm application, or a spongy pedal suggesting air or moisture in the system, and a visual inspection of the rear discs for lipping or corrosion pitting is worthwhile given the mileage. The clean 2021 and 2025 test outcomes demonstrate that when the front-end tyre issues are managed, the vehicle is otherwise sound. Any prospective purchase should factor in the cost of a full set of correctly fitting premium tyres, a geometry alignment, and a TPMS investigation as immediate priorities, after which the underlying Octavia platform should provide ongoing roadworthiness provided the suspension geometry root cause is addressed.