Skoda Octavia S TDI (2016)
2016 Skoda Octavia S TDI
CarHunch analysed 133 real MOT records for the 2016 Skoda Octavia S TDI. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2016 Skoda Octavia S TDI has a first-time pass rate of just 51.3%, nearly 30 percentage points below the UK average of 80%, making it a significantly less reliable proposition at MOT time. The good news is that dangerous defects are not a concern—none of the 133 vehicles analysed registered a dangerous fault—but the high failure rate suggests recurring issues that owners need to budget for.
At nearly 99,000 miles on average, these cars have covered typical mileage for their age, yet each vehicle averages 0.4 failures per test, pointing to common wear-and-tear problems rather than catastrophic design flaws. If you're considering this model, budget for regular remedial work before MOT submissions and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the specific failure patterns affecting the diesel engine and emissions systems.
What to check before buying a 2016 Skoda Octavia S TDI
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Skoda Octavia S TDI
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 Skoda Octavia S TDI vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2016 Skoda Octavia S TDI vehicles fall between 74,831 and 121,723 miles.
2016 Skoda Octavia S TDI — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 50 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 85% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Skoda Octavia S TDI?
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