Skoda Octavia (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 32,798 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Diesel1598cc10 years old32,798 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

87% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

87% of MOT tests on Skoda Octavias from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 32,798 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,549 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models279th of 539(bottom half)

Rank among Skoda models214th of 329(bottom half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+2%(85% avg)

vs Skoda average-1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,549

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Skoda Octavia had 97,549 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2016 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Skoda Octavia by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	85%	324	57,134 mi
2020	91%	13,721	50,514 mi
2019	90%	31,534	61,297 mi
2018	90%	27,159	71,077 mi
2017	88%	29,246	84,339 mi
2016	87%	32,798	97,549 mi
2015	86%	30,840	108,406 mi
2014	85%	28,378	113,965 mi
2013	82%	18,141	120,720 mi
2012	78%	18,753	126,303 mi
2011	77%	19,826	120,414 mi
2010	76%	16,656	130,679 mi
2009	75%	12,158	132,069 mi
2008	73%	10,293	142,833 mi
2007	72%	11,009	144,641 mi
2006	71%	9,468	141,864 mi
2005	71%	5,516	143,706 mi
2004	73%	3,326	147,294 mi
2003	72%	2,670	151,314 mi
2002	73%	1,768	146,396 mi
2001	71%	1,135	143,061 mi
2000	68%	383	146,774 mi
1999	74%	208	138,431 mi
1998	67%	106	104,028 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+4%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

79%

-8%

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+2%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,824/year

88%

+1%

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About the 2016 Skoda Octavia

The 2016 Skoda Octavia is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 32,798 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 97,549 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Skoda Octavia owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2016 Skoda Octavia Fuel Costs

The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2016 Skoda Octavia?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Skoda Octavia Reliability Trend

Newer Skoda Octavias pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2016 Skoda Octavia

At 10 years old, the Skoda Octavia is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 32,798 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2016 Skoda Octavia Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 3,874 MOT tests on the 2016 Skoda Octavia that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Tyres30%
Same age: 26%
Lights and electrics29%
Same age: 30%
Suspension25%
Same age: 29%
Brakes20%
Same age: 20%

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Skoda Octavia reliability, common problems and years to avoid

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 98k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2016 Skoda Octavia stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Skoda Octavia(2016)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£120
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944+£150
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£30
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£30

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2016 Skoda Octavia

Is the 2016 Skoda Octavia reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2016 Skoda Octavias ended in a pass, from 32,798 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Skoda Octavia cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Skoda Octavia?

87% of 32,798 MOT tests on the 2016 Skoda Octavia ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 279th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom half).

Which year Skoda Octavia has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Skoda Octavia has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1998 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Skoda Octavia?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Skoda Octavia is 97,549 miles, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.