2018 Skoda Octavia 1.6L Diesel · YA67 BTY

The most recent MOT on 22 December 2025 was passed with no recorded defects, and the vehicle has successfully passed the three subsequent tests in 2025, 2024 and 2022. The only failure in the six‑year record occurred at the end of 2021 for a non‑functional front windscreen washer, and since then the MOT outcomes have been clean apart from a series of tyre‑related advisories in early 2023. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stable and improving, with the major defect having been rectified and no further failures recorded. At 77 125 miles the Octavia averages roughly 9 600 miles per annum, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a vehicle of its 2018 build date. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest aggressive short‑term usage, nor are there significant gaps that might indicate long periods of storage. The mileage therefore points to a moderate wear pattern on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components, and does not raise immediate concerns about accelerated drivetrain degradation. The 2023 advisories highlight that the rear tyre is showing early signs of perishing and that all four fitted tyres were close to the legal tread limit, with edge wear on the front and nearside rear. A prospective buyer should therefore measure tread depth across the width of each tyre, inspect the sidewalls for cracking, bulging or dry‑rot, and verify that the tyre pressures are set to the manufacturer’s specification. Uneven wear may indicate mis‑aligned front wheels, worn suspension bushes or failing coil‑spring mounts, so a visual check of the front suspension for cracked or leaking bushes, and a quick bounce test of the rear springs, is advisable. During a test drive listen for any clunk or knock when negotiating bumps, and watch for a pulling tendency to one side which would suggest alignment or steering rack wear. Confirm that the windscreen washer system now operates correctly and that the washer fluid reservoir is not contaminated, as the 2021 failure points to a possible earlier electrical or pump issue. Given the vehicle’s eight‑year age, additional time‑based inspections are prudent even in the absence of recorded defects. Examine the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and assess its cranking performance, especially if the car has spent periods idle; a load test at a reputable garage will confirm remaining capacity. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing and ensure the pads have sufficient thickness; any shudder or pulsation under braking could signal warped discs or binding calipers. Check that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and that the oil appears clean, as fluids degrade with time even when mileage is modest. Finally, verify that the service book contains stamps for regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and any major scheduled maintenance; a well‑documented service history will give confidence that the Octavia has been looked after in line with Skoda’s recommendations.