A real report, anonymised
Used 2014 Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI inspection report
2014 Skoda Octavia Elegance 1.8 TSI automatic, 67,336 km (last service-book reading, July 2026), 1 owner, inspected August 2026, Bengaluru, 267 checkpoints
Verdict
A well-documented car. Negotiate on the brakes and the jobs left pending
85.5
overall score / 100
One owner, twelve years at one dealer, nothing hidden: three accident repairs, gearbox and water-pump work done under goodwill, and a string of small jobs the owner declined. Today the brakes are low, an idle fault code is pending and the accessory belt chirps.
The automated summary graded this car “Go ahead and buy it: Excellent” at 85.5. It is one of the better cars we have inspected at this age, and the book is why we can say so.
1
owner
33
dealer entries in 12 years
3
accident repairs on record
P0507
pending fault: idle speed
What we found
In the order that matters.
Three accident repairs, all on record
A front windscreen replaced after an accident at 5,532 km in 2014; both bumpers replaced and repainted at 31,871 km in 2018; and both bumpers again, with a tail lamp, at 47,319 km in 2021. Bumpers are plastic and the metal panels read without a raised panel, so the work looks confined to bolt-on parts. The inspector did record filler on the bonnet, which is worth a look in daylight.
Brakes flagged since 2019, still low
The dealer noted the front brake pads needing attention in 2019 and again in 2020, pending the owner’s approval. Today the front pads are low. Ask for pads, and discs if needed, before handover.
A pending idle fault and a chirping belt
The scan shows a pending P0507: idle speed higher than expected, often an air leak or a throttle body that needs cleaning. Not urgent, but worth diagnosing. The accessory belt chirps on start; the dealer noted a V-belt item pending in 2020.
Cooling-system work, twice
The thermostat and water pump were replaced under goodwill in 2019; the coolant pump again in 2025 after low coolant and start-up noise; and the radiator and a coolant pipe in July 2026. It is fixed now, and the invoices are in the book. Keep an eye on the coolant level.
A mileage entry that went backwards, and why it does not matter
One visit in February 2020 records 42,201 km, twelve days after a visit at 42,845 km. A 644 km dip over twelve days at the same dealer, with every later entry running forward, is a typing error, not a wound-back odometer. We show it because this is exactly what a real rollback looks like on paper, and it takes the full record to tell the difference.
What is genuinely good
One owner, a complete twelve-year dealer record, not financed, insurance and tax valid for years, a smooth gearbox, excellent battery, clean underbody and interior.
Area ratings
| Area | What we saw | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Scratches on eight panels, a dent on the left quarter, filler recorded on the bonnet. | 3.5/5 |
| Paint | Measured panels 43 to 114 µm with no panel standing out. | 4.5/5 |
| Brakes | Front pads low; flagged by the dealer repeatedly since 2019. | 3/5 |
| Engine | No active codes; pending P0507 (idle speed higher than expected). Accessory belt chirps. Battery excellent. | 3.5/5 |
| Tyres | MRF Perfinza, about two years old, 4 to 6 mm; two punctures to repair. | 4/5 |
| Underbody | Clean, no leaks or corrosion. | 5/5 |
| Suspension | Visually good; the dealer left subframe and lower-arm bushes under observation in July 2026. | 4/5 |
| Interior | Well maintained; all adjustments work. | 5/5 |
| Electricals | All functional, no warning lamps. AC cools well. | 5/5 |
| Gear & transmission | Smooth; DSG part and gearbox fluid replaced under goodwill in 2017. | 5/5 |
| Paperwork | One owner, not financed. Insurance to 2027, tax to 2029. | 5/5 |
Paint assessment
Measured panels read 43 to 114 µm with no panel raised above its neighbours.
| Panel | Film thickness | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Tailgate | 114 µm | Factory |
| Fender right | 103 µm | Factory |
| Fender left | 101 µm | Factory |
| Door rear left | 93 µm | Factory |
| Door front left | 86 µm | Factory |
| Door rear right | 84 µm | Factory |
| Quarter left | 78 µm | Factory |
| Door front right | 78 µm | Factory |
| Bonnet | 60 µm | Low reading (filler recorded) |
| Roof | 43 µm | Low reading |
Low readings on a roof and bonnet are common on this finish; nothing reads high. Bumpers are plastic and not measured.
Tyres
MRF Perfinza, about two years old, 4 to 6 mm. Two tyres have punctures to repair; no replacement needed yet.
Service history
Thirty-three entries at one authorised dealer from 2014 to 2026. Selected entries:
| When | Odometer | What was done |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2014 | 5,532 km | Accident repair: front windscreen replaced |
| Nov 2017 | 30,363 km | Goodwill repair: DSG mechatronic part and gearbox fluid replaced |
| Feb 2018 | 31,871 km | Accident repair: front and rear bumpers replaced and repainted |
| Aug 2019 | 40,881 km | Goodwill repair: thermostat and water pump replaced |
| Jan 2020 | 42,845 km | Running repair; AC vents, RH headlight, wipers left outstanding |
| Feb 2020 | 42,201 km | Running repair; front brake pads flagged (entry typed lower than the previous visit) |
| Dec 2021 | 47,319 km | Accident repair: both bumpers replaced and repainted, RH tail lamp |
| Apr 2025 | 62,612 km | Coolant pump and water hose replaced after low coolant and start-up noise |
| Jul 2026 | 67,336 km | Service: radiator, coolant pipe, anti-roll-bar links; subframe and lower-arm bushes left under observation |
Registration and records
Owner name, address, registration number and lender are held back from published samples.
| Record | Status |
|---|---|
| Owners | 1 |
| Registered | 2014, Bengaluru; tax valid to 2029 |
| Manufactured | June 2014, petrol, 1798 cc |
| Insurance | Valid to 2027 |
| Finance | Not financed |
| Blacklist / legal flags | None |
Periodic maintenance
Service every 15,000 km or 12 months. The items the dealer left pending (bushes, AC vents, brake pads) are the negotiation list.
Every checkpoint (267)
224 passed, 11 findings, 32 measurements or not applicable to this car. Answers exactly as the inspector recorded them.
01. Baseline Photos & Documents7 checks
- ✓4 sides (Front, Sides, Back) capturedCaptured
- ✓Interior overview (front & rear)Captured
- ✓VIN plate & odometer close-upsCaptured
- ✓Cluster warning lamps photo (Ignition ON)Captured
- ○RC DetailsN/A
- ○PUC CerificateN/A
- ○Insurance CertificateN/A
02. Exterior Structure & Trim55 checks, 9 findings
- !Hood/Bonnet: Defects (multi-select)Filler
- !Fender Left: Defects (multi- select)Scratch
- !Door Front Left: Defects (multi-select)None, Scratch
- !Door Rear Left: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Quarter Left: Defects (multi-select)Dent
- !Rear Bumper: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Fender Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Door Rear Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Quarter Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- ✓Front Bumper: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Front Bumper: FitmentOK
- ✓Hood/Bonnet: FitmentOK
- ✓Roof: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Roof: FitmentOK
- ✓Front grille conditionIntact
- ✓Emblems/Badges present & correctYes
- ✓VIN plate/rivets tamper signsNo signs
- ✓Fender Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Door Front Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Front Left door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Front Left door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Front Left door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Front Left window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Door Rear Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Rear Left door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Rear Left door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Rear Left door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Rear Left window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Quarter Left: FitmentOK
- ✓Left pillars (A/B/C): Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Left ORVM housing conditionOK
- ✓Rear Bumper: FitmentOK
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: FitmentOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door conditionOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door fitment & hinge/springOK
- ✓Fender Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Door Front Right: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Door Front Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Front Right door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Front Right door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Front Right door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Front Right window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Door Rear Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Rear Right door handle: physicalOK
- ✓Rear Right door handle: functionalityOK
- ✓Rear Right door weather seals & beadingsOK
- ✓Rear Right window run channel & outer beadingsOK
- ✓Sill/Rocker Right: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Sill/Rocker Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Quarter Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Right pillars (A/B/C): Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓Right ORVM housing conditionOK
03. Glass & Mirrors22 checks
- ✓Front windshield: chips/ cracksNone
- ✓RL door window glass conditionClear
- ✓Front windshield: wiper-arc scratches/hazeNone
- ✓Front windshield seal/ garnish conditionOK
- ✓Front windshield marking & date (DOT/AIS/ISI)Match (±12m)
- ✓Windshield sensor housing (ADAS/rain-light) mountSecure
- ✓Left ORVM mirror glassOK
- ✓FL door window glass conditionClear
- ✓FL door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓RL door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓Rear windshield: chips/ cracksNone
- ✓Rear defogger lines (continuity visual)Intact
- ✓Rear windshield seal/ garnish conditionOK
- ✓Rear windshield marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓Rear defogger functional testHeats evenly
- ✓Right ORVM mirror glassOK
- ✓FR door window glass conditionClear
- ✓FR door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓RR door window glass conditionClear
- ✓RR door glass marking & dateMatch (±12m)
- ✓Sunroof glass conditionClear
- ✓Sunroof marking & dateMatch (±12m)
04. Paint Assessment33 checks
- ○Pillars Right (A/B/C): Colour varianceNot recorded
- ○Front Bumper: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Front Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Hood/Bonnet: Paint thickness60
- ○Roof: Paint thickness43
- ✓Roof: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Fender Left: Paint thickness101
- ✓Fender Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Front Left: Paint thickness86
- ✓Door Front Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Rear Left: Paint thickness93
- ✓Door Rear Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Left: Paint thickness74
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Quarter Left: Paint thickness78
- ○Quarter Left: Colour varianceNot recorded
- ○Pillars Left (A/B/C): Paint thickness20
- ✓Pillars Left (A/B/C): Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Rear Bumper: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Rear Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Trunk/Tailgate: Paint thickness114
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Fender Right: Paint thickness103
- ✓Fender Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Front Right: Paint thickness78
- ✓Door Front Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Rear Right: Paint thickness84
- ✓Door Rear Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Right: Paint thickness70
- ○Sill/Rocker Right: Colour varianceNot recorded
- ○Quarter Right: Paint thickness60
- ✓Quarter Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Pillars Right (A/B/C): Paint thickness19
05. Tyres, Wheels & Brakes19 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Mud/silt under carpets (front footwells)None
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (FL)Good
- ✓Mud/silt under carpets (rear footwells)None
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (FL)None
- ✓Seat rail rust/pittingNone
- ✓Wheel rim condition (FL, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (FR)Good
- ✓Under-dash wiring oxidation/green patinaNone
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (FR)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (FR, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (RL)Good
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (RL)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (RL, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Tyre valve/nozzle (RR)Good
- ✓Tyre sidewall/tread defects (RR)None
- ✓Wheel rim condition (RR, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Spare tyre conditionGood
- ✓Brake rotor visual (lip/ scoring)Normal
- !Brake pad visual (thickness)Low
06. Water / Accident Exposure9 checks
- ✓Trunk/spare well moisture or smellDry
- ✓Door drain holes clearClear
- ✓Headlamp/taillamp condensationNone
- ✓Engine bay mud/rust at lower membersNone
- ✓Wiring/fusebox water marksNone
- ✓Underbody waterline/ oxidation patternsNone
- ✓Structural welds/overspray/ signs of panel replacementFactory-like
- ✓Seat mount bolts & seat base waterlineClean
- ✓Trunk side cavities/quarter pockets moistureDry
07. Underbody25 checks
- ✓Leaks (engine/gearbox/diff)None
- ✓Exhaust condition (hangers/shields)OK
- ✓Floor/frame corrosionNone
- ✓Suspension arms/bushings visualOK
- ✓Brake lines/hoses (rust/ leak/chafe)Good
- ✓Underbody shields / aero panels presence & securityAll present
- ✓Jacking points & floor pan deformationOK
- ✓Seam sealer & undercoat integrityUniform
- ✓Subframe / crossmember condition & bushingsOK
- ✓Ball joint & tie-rod end dust bootsIntact
- ✓Steering rack housing & boots (leaks/play)Dry
- ✓Front CV axle boots (inner/ outer)Intact
- ✓Prop shaft / center bearing / giubo (RWD/AWD)OK
- ✓Differential housing & axle seals (RWD/AWD)Dry
- ○Transfer case leaks (AWD/ 4×4)N/A
- ✓Shock absorber lower mounts & bushingsOK
- ✓Sway bar links & bushings (front/rear)OK
- ✓Brake calipers & flex hoses at banjo/union (seep/leak)Dry
- ✓Fuel tank straps / guards corrosion & securityOK
- ✓Fuel hardlines & EVAP canister/hoses (routing/ clips/leaks)OK
- ✓Exhaust flex joint & catalytic converter shieldsOK
- ✓O₂ sensor wiring & connectors (routing/heat damage)OK
- ✓Parking brake cables (routing/corrosion/free play)OK
- ✓Radiator/condenser & hose lower area (leak traces/ dye/oil)Dry
- ✓Rear diff/torque mount bushings (where applicable)OK
08. Under the Hood: Engine OFF10 checks
- ✓Battery terminals & hold- downClean/Tight
- ✓Belts visual (cracks/fray)Good
- ✓Coolant reservoir levelBetween MIN and MAX
- ✓Brake fluid levelBetween MIN and MAX
- ✓Washer fluid levelOK
- ○Engine oil level (dipstick)Not recorded
- ○Air filter elementNot recorded
- ✓Visible wiring/hoses conditionGood
- ✓Engine mounts visual conditionGood
- ✓Power steering fluid level (if hydraulic)Between MIN and MAX
09. Interior Trim & Fixtures24 checks
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Adjustments (slide/recline/ height)All OK
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Seatbelt & buckleOK
- ✓Driver seat (FR): Headrest conditionOK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Adjustments (slide/recline/ height)All OK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Seatbelt & buckleOK
- ✓Front passenger seat (FL): Headrest conditionOK
- ✓2nd row: Cushioning & upholsteryGood
- ✓2nd row: Fold/Slide/Tumble (access)Smooth
- ✓2nd row: Seatbelts & bucklesAll OK
- ○2nd row: ISOFIX anchors (L/ R)N/A
- ○3rd row: Fold/Slide/Tumble (access)N/A
- ○3rd row: Seatbelts & bucklesN/A
- ✓Dashboard panels conditionGood
- ✓Instrument cluster lens & shroudClear
- ✓Carpet fitment (edges/ clips)Correct
- ✓Carpet cleanlinessClean
- ✓Roof lining conditionGood
- ✓Sunshades/vanity mirrorsOK
- ✓Glovebox hinge/lock/ damperOK
- ✓Center console & armrest storageOK
- ✓Door pockets & hidden compartmentsOK
- ✓Interior rear-view mirror (mount/flip)OK
10. Interior Electricals, Infotainment & HVAC21 checks
- ✓Front row cabin lightsAll OK
- ✓Rear/2nd-3rd row cabin lightsAll OK
- ✓Driver door: window & lock switchesAll OK
- ✓Passenger doors: window & lock switchesAll OK
- ✓ORVM adjust switchOK
- ✓ORVM fold switchOK
- ✓ORVM heaterOK
- ✓Head unit power & bootOK
- ✓Touchscreen & buttonsOK
- ✓Audio output L/R/F/RAll OK
- ✓Bluetooth/USB/FMAll OK
- ✓Reverse camera/parking sensorsOK
- ✓AC cooling at center ventsCold (<10°C)
- ✓Heater outputHot
- ✓Blower speeds & vent directionAll speeds OK
- ✓AC odour on startNone
- ✓Rear/roof AC vents airflowGood
- ✓Wiper controls (all speeds + wash)OK
- ✓HornOK
- ✓Hazard/defogger switchesOK
- ✓Cluster warning lamps status (Ignition ON)None
11. Driving Controls & Driver Aids11 checks
- ✓Steering wheel condition (rim/stitching)Good
- ✓Steering free play (static)Normal
- ✓Steering adjust (tilt/ telescope)OK
- ✓Gear selector movement (PRND/pattern)Smooth
- ✓Clutch pedal feel (MT only)Normal
- ✓Hand/parking brakeHolds well
- ✓Drive mode switch (Eco/ Normal/Sport)OK
- ○Traction/Stability control buttonN/A
- ✓Pedal rubbers condition (A/ B/C)Good
- ✓Steering-mounted controlsAll OK
- ✓Brake pedal feel (static)Normal
12. Lighting6 checks
- ✓Headlamps (low/high)Both OK
- ✓DRL / Parking lightsOK
- ✓Indicators/hazardsALL OK
- ✓Brake lights (incl. CHMSL)ALL OK
- ✓Reverse lightsALL OK
- ✓Fog lamps (front/rear)OK
13. Under the Hood: Engine ON5 checks, 1 finding
- ✓Idle quality / vibrationSmooth
- ○Idle RPM (spec)800
- ✓Cooling fan operationNormal
- !Accessory belt noisesChirp
- ✓Visible leaks at idleNone
14. Fluids & Emissions5 checks
- ✓Exhaust smoke at idleNone
- ✓Exhaust sound (abnormal noises)Normal
- ✓Oil condition (dipstick)Clean
- ✓Coolant condition (visual)Clean
- ✓Exhaust smoke on snap accelerationNone
15. Modifications & Non‑OEM3 checks
- ✓Exterior non‑OEM parts observedNone
- ✓Electrical/infotainment modificationsNone
- ✓Suspension/performance modsNone
16. Road Test12 checks
- ✓Cold start behaviourNormal
- ✓Engine performance/ accelerationNormal
- ✓Transmission shift qualitySmooth
- ✓Clutch operation (MT)Normal
- ✓Steering pull/free playStraight
- ✓Braking performance/noiseNormal
- ✓Suspension noise/ harshnessNormal
- ✓AC performance while drivingStable cold
- ✓Cruise controlOK
- ✓ADAS aids (if equipped) brief checkOK
- ○4×4/AWD engagement (if equipped)Not recorded
- ✓Wheel alignment/pull confirmation (straight road)Tracks straight
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