2003 Skoda Octavia petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Engine warning light2.3× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  6.3% All 2003 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.7% of all 2003 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)1.9× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  5.8% All 2003 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.9% 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 an engine warning light.

• Front strut mounts and bushes2.6× usual
  Skoda Octavia

  2.3% All 2003 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

Common 2003 Skoda Octavia petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  49% 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
  41% 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
  29% 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
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

• 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Skoda Octavia petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 Skoda Octavia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Skoda Octavia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 Skoda Octavia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?