2004 Skoda Octavia: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Skoda Octavia?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Skoda Octavia than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  16.2% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  13.1% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  11.7% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame1.8× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  9% All 2004 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Individual direction indicators1.9× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  6.6% All 2004 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2004 Skoda Octavia MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Skoda Octavia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  31% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Skoda Octavia

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Skoda Octavia as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 Skoda Octavia as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Skoda Octavia as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?