SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 619 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,487
£124/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1968cc Diesel
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1487/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SKODA brand average of 88%.
At 5 years old, 94% of SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-As from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 619 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 43,831 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,831
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A has 43,831 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 89%. The 2021 sits between the two at 94%.
SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A
The 2021 SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A is a family car with a 1968cc diesel engine. 619 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 43,831 miles at 5 years old, SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 TDI S-A?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,487 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A Reliability Trend
Newer SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-As show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A
At 5 years old, the SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 TDI S-A stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKODA OCTAVIA SE L TDI S-A(2021) | 94% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1487 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£13 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£13 |
| FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM(2019) | 87% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Skoda Models
Explore other Skoda cars or similar models in the same category.
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2019 · 999cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
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2019 · 1997cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2019 · 1598cc Diesel
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