Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 201 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,852
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
91% of MOT tests on Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDIs from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 201 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 43,013 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,013
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI had 43,013 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI
The 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI is a family car. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 201 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 43,013 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI Fuel Costs
The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI
At 5 years old, the Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
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 outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI 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 SE L First Edition TDI(2021) | 91% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852 |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Ford Kuga(2019) | 91% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852same |
| Volkswagen Polo(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Kia Sportage(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
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 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI
Is the 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDIs ended in a pass, from 201 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI?
91% of 201 MOT tests on the 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2305th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom half).
Which year Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2020 the lowest at 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Skoda Octavia SE L First Edition TDI is 43,013 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Related Skoda Models
Explore other Skoda cars or similar models in the same category.
Skoda Octavia
2016 · 1598cc Diesel
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2016 · 1197cc Petrol
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2019 · 999cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
Ford Kuga
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
Volkswagen Polo
2019 · 1598cc Diesel
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