87.1%
pass rate across 68,867 tests
85.4% first-time pass rate
82,024 mi median at test
Skoda Octavia 2016 vs 2019
The same model, 3 years apart, compared on 134,222 real MOT tests. The raw pass rate mostly measures age; the like-for-like row and the mileage bands show what survives that adjustment.
89.1%
pass rate across 65,355 tests
87.9% first-time pass rate
50,244 mi median at test
The short answer
The 2019 Octavia passes more — but most of it is age
Across 134,222 tests, the 2019 Octavia passes 89.1% of MOTs and the 2016 87.1%. The 2019 cars are 3 years newer and were tested at a median 50,244 miles against 82,024, so part of that gap is simply age and use. Against what their age and mileage predict, the 2019 is −0.4 points and the 2016 +3.1 — a like-for-like gap of −3.5 points. Most of the raw advantage disappears once the two are matched. Typical repair bills are £35–£88 on the 2016 and £43–£107 on the 2019. The two bills are close. Repairs under £30 account for 26% of the 2016's recorded faults and 0% of the 2019's. Both years fail most often on windscreen.
- Pass rate: 87.1% vs 89.1%
- Tests: 68,867 vs 65,355
- Like-for-like: +3.1 vs −0.4 pts
- Median mileage: 82,024 vs 50,244 mi
- Typical repair: £35–£88 vs £43–£107
- Cheap fixes: 26% vs 0%
| Measure | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT tests on record | 68,867 | 65,355 |
| Pass rate, all MOTs | 87.1% | 89.1% stronger figure |
| First-time pass rate | 85.4% | 87.9% stronger figure |
| Against the UK average | +3.1 pts stronger figure | −0.4 pts |
| Like-for-like, age and mileage adjusted | +3.1 pts stronger figure | −0.4 pts |
| Average mileage at test | 95,780 mi | 61,537 mi |
| Median mileage at test | 82,024 mi | 50,244 mi |
| Typical repair bill | £35–£88 stronger figure | £43–£107 |
| Repairs under £30 | 26% stronger figure | 0% |
| Most common failing part | Windscreen | Windscreen |
| Variants recorded | 3 | 2 |
| Main fuel | Diesel 72% | Petrol 55% |
A ✓ marks the stronger figure in each row. It compares the two model years, not either one against the national average.
What goes wrong most often
The most common priced failures on each year, as a share of that year's tests. Repair costs are estimates from UK parts data, not quotes.
2016 Octavia
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 2.5% £80–£200
- Coil spring fractured or broken 1.2% £25–£65
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 1.2% £45–£95
- Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction 1.1% £3–£12
- Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources 1.1% £5–£20
2019 Octavia
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 1.9% £80–£200
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 1.3% £45–£95
- Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak 1.3% £30–£75
- Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick 1.1% £18–£45
- Coil spring fractured or broken 1.0% £25–£65
Does the gap hold at higher mileage?
Pass rate by the mileage recorded at test. If the lead shrinks in the high-mileage bands, part of the headline difference was a younger, lower-mileage sample.
| Mileage | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30,000 mi | 95.2% · 1,775 tests | 94.2% · 12,116 tests |
| 30,000–60,000 mi | 91.1% · 15,509 tests | 89.9% · 28,218 tests |
| 60,000–90,000 mi | 87.4% · 22,448 tests | 86.2% · 13,366 tests |
| 90,000–120,000 mi | 85.4% · 13,297 tests | 85.6% · 5,563 tests |
| 120,000+ mi | 83.5% · 15,695 tests | 84.7% · 6,077 tests |
What to check before you buy
2016 Skoda Octavia
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 2.5% of tests · £80–£200
- Coil spring fractured or broken — 1.2% of tests · £25–£65
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords — 1.2% of tests · £45–£95
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
2019 Skoda Octavia
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 1.9% of tests · £80–£200
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords — 1.3% of tests · £45–£95
- Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak — 1.3% of tests · £30–£75
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
Compare another pair of years for the Skoda Octavia? Pick two years →
Compare a different pair of years? Pick two years of the Skoda Octavia →
Or put the Octavia against another model: Compare the Skoda Octavia side by side →