2003 Skoda Octavia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Skoda Octavia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Skoda Octavia diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  16.5% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.9% of all 2003 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 springs1.7× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  17.6% All 2003 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.5% of all 2003 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.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  13.3% All 2003 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.8% of all 2003 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  11.4% All 2003 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions4.1× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  3.3% All 2003 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2003 Skoda Octavia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Skoda Octavia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  50% 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
  35% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Skoda Octavia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 Skoda Octavia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Skoda Octavia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?