A real report, anonymised
Used 2016 Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI inspection report
2016 Skoda Octavia Ambition 1.8 TSI automatic, 41,690 km (last service-book reading, June 2026), 2 owners, inspected August 2026, Bengaluru, 264 checkpoints
Verdict
Low kilometres, original paint. Fix the brakes and ask about the airbag
72.5
overall score / 100
Original paint on every panel and only about 42,000 km, but the brakes are worn with a squeal, the front suspension is noisy, the insurance lapsed in 2024, and the driver airbag was replaced at the last dealer visit without a reason on record.
The automated summary graded this car “Go ahead and buy it: Excellent” at 72.5. The brake and airbag questions come first.
0
panels repainted
9
panels with scratches or dents
2
owners
Mar 2024
insurance lapsed
What we found
In the order that matters.
The brakes need doing before anything else
Pads are low, the rotors have a worn lip, and the brakes squealed on the road test. Ask for pads and discs to be replaced and invoiced before handover.
The driver airbag was replaced at the last service
The June 2026 dealer visit records the driver’s airbag unit replaced, without a reason. It could be a recall or a fault; it could also follow a deployment. The paint is original everywhere, which argues against a significant impact, but ask the seller for the job card and the reason before you buy.
Noise from the front suspension
The road test found noise from the front suspension. Arms, bushings and the steering rack looked fine, so the likely cause is a worn mount, link or bush. Have it diagnosed and priced.
Insurance lapsed in March 2024, and a gap in the service record
The government record shows the policy expired in March 2024. The dealer record shows the delivery inspection in 2017 and then nothing until 2020 at 36,024 km, followed by visits in 2021, 2023 and 2026. Ask where the car was serviced between 2017 and 2020, and settle the insurance before transfer. The car is also under an open loan.
What is genuinely good
Original paint on every measured panel, tyres with plenty of life, a clean underbody, no fault codes and a smooth automatic gearbox. The scratches and dents are cosmetic.
Area ratings
| Area | What we saw | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Every measured panel 71 to 124 µm, consistent. No repaint. | 5/5 |
| Exterior | Scratches on nine panels; dents on the left quarter and right front door. | 3.5/5 |
| Brakes | Pads low, rotor lip, squeal on the road test. | 2.5/5 |
| Suspension | Noise from the front on the road test. Arms, bushings and steering rack visually fine. | 3/5 |
| Tyres | Four Outrun M3, 3 to 4 years old, 6 to 7 mm, no damage. | 5/5 |
| Engine | No fault codes; battery rated 3/5; turbo and air system good. | 4.5/5 |
| Underbody | Clean, no leaks, rust or deformation. | 5/5 |
| Interior | Trim, seats and fixtures in good condition. | 5/5 |
| Electricals | All functional, no warning lamps. | 5/5 |
| Gear & transmission | Automatic shifts smoothly. | 5/5 |
| Paperwork | Two owners. Tax valid to 2032. Insurance lapsed March 2024. Under an open loan. | 2/5 |
Paint assessment
Every measured panel reads 71 to 124 µm with no panel standing out. No repaint.
| Panel | Film thickness | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Door rear right | 124 µm | Factory |
| Door front left | 116 µm | Factory |
| Door front right | 116 µm | Factory |
| Door rear left | 112 µm | Factory |
| Bonnet | 110 µm | Factory |
| Fender left | 106 µm | Factory |
| Fender right | 106 µm | Factory |
| Roof | 105 µm | Factory |
| Tailgate | 101 µm | Factory |
| Quarter right | 85 µm | Factory |
| Quarter left | 71 µm | Factory |
The dents and scratches have not been repaired, which is why the paint reads original. They are cosmetic.
Tyres
Four Outrun M3, three to four years old, 6 to 7 mm with no cuts, cracks or bulges.
Service history
Five entries at one authorised dealer, with a three-year gap after delivery:
| When | Odometer | What was done |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2017 | 0 km | Pre-delivery inspection |
| Nov 2020 | 36,024 km | Running repair: gear lever and steering trim |
| Sep 2021 | 37,229 km | Paid service: filters, battery |
| Jan 2023 | 38,855 km | Paid service: filters and consumables |
| Jun 2026 | 41,690 km | Paid service; driver’s airbag unit replaced; battery, oil and filters |
Registration and records
Owner name, address, registration number and lender are held back from published samples.
| Record | Status |
|---|---|
| Owners | 2 |
| Registered | 2017, Bengaluru; tax valid to 2032 |
| Manufactured | November 2016, petrol, 1798 cc |
| Insurance | Lapsed March 2024 |
| Pollution certificate | Not on record |
| Finance | Under an open loan |
| Blacklist / legal flags | None |
Periodic maintenance
Service every 15,000 km or 12 months. With a history gap and a lapsed policy, budget a full service, the brakes and the suspension fix before you drive it far.
Every checkpoint (264)
217 passed, 13 findings, 34 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 & Trim54 checks, 9 findings
- !Front Bumper: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Door Front Left: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Quarter Left: Defects (multi-select)Dent
- !Rear Bumper: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Trunk/Tailgate: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Fender Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Door Front Right: Defects (multi-select)Dent, Scratch
- !Door Rear Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- !Quarter Right: Defects (multi-select)Scratch
- ✓Front Bumper: FitmentOK
- ✓Hood/Bonnet: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓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: Defects (multi- select)None
- ✓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: Defects (multi-select)None
- ✓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: FitmentOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door conditionOK
- ✓Fuel lid/door fitment & hinge/springOK
- ✓Fender Right: FitmentOK
- ✓Door Front Right: FitmentOK
- ○Front Right door handle: physicalNot recorded
- ✓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 & Mirrors21 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 conditionN/A
04. Paint Assessment33 checks
- ✓Pillars Right (A/B/C): Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Front Bumper: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Front Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Hood/Bonnet: Paint thickness110
- ○Roof: Paint thickness105
- ✓Roof: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Fender Left: Paint thickness106
- ✓Fender Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Front Left: Paint thickness116
- ✓Door Front Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Rear Left: Paint thickness112
- ✓Door Rear Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Left: Paint thickness81
- ✓Sill/Rocker Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Quarter Left: Paint thickness71
- ✓Quarter Left: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Pillars Left (A/B/C): Paint thickness60
- ✓Pillars Left (A/B/C): Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Rear Bumper: Paint thicknessNot recorded
- ✓Rear Bumper: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Trunk/Tailgate: Paint thickness101
- ✓Trunk/Tailgate: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Fender Right: Paint thickness106
- ✓Fender Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Front Right: Paint thickness116
- ✓Door Front Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Door Rear Right: Paint thickness124
- ✓Door Rear Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Sill/Rocker Right: Paint thickness71
- ✓Sill/Rocker Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Quarter Right: Paint thickness85
- ✓Quarter Right: Colour varianceMatch (1-2um)
- ○Pillars Right (A/B/C): Paint thickness41
05. Tyres, Wheels & Brakes19 checks, 2 findings
- ✓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)Not recorded
- ✓Wheel rim condition (RR, bends/cracks)OK
- ✓Spare tyre conditionGood
- !Brake rotor visual (lip/ scoring)Lip
- !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 waterlineNot recorded
- ✓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)Not recorded
- ✓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)Dry
- ✓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)Not recorded
- ✓Rear diff/torque mount bushings (where applicable)OK
08. Under the Hood: Engine OFF9 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
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)Present
- ○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)N/A
- ○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
- ✓Idle quality / vibrationSmooth
- ○Idle RPM (spec)800
- ✓Cooling fan operationNormal
- ✓Accessory belt noisesNone
- ✓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, 2 findings
- ✓Cold start behaviourNormal
- ✓Engine performance/ accelerationNormal
- ✓Transmission shift qualitySmooth
- ✓Clutch operation (MT)Normal
- ✓Steering pull/free playStraight
- !Braking performance/noiseSqueal
- !Suspension noise/ harshnessFront noise
- ✓AC performance while drivingStable cold
- ✓Cruise controlOK
- ✓ADAS aids (if equipped) brief checkOK
- ○4×4/AWD engagement (if equipped)N/A
- ✓Wheel alignment/pull confirmation (straight road)Tracks straight
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