2000 Skoda Octavia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Steering rack inner joints4.1× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  15.5% All 2000 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Flexible brake hoses2.9× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  17.2% All 2000 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  16.5% All 2000 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 1.3% of all 2000 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.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  17.5% All 2000 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.7% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Number plates2.2× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  15.5% All 2000 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.8% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  55% 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.

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• 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
  33% 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.

• Steering
  18% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2000 Skoda Octavia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?