Skoda Octavia vs Toyota Corolla: which is the better used buy?

On DVSA MOT records the Toyota Corolla is the more reliable used buy: it passes its first MOT 1.6 percentage points more often than the Skoda Octavia once both are compared against what the national fleet scores at the same age. That comparison covers 33,866 real tests, not a survey.

MOT first-time pass rate

Counted from DVSA’s anonymised MOT test records. “vs age-matched” compares each model against what the national fleet scores at the same age — the only fair better-or-worse number, because an older fleet fails more whatever its build quality.

Model	Pass rate	Age-matched national	Difference	Tests
Skoda Octavia	80.5%	78.1%	+2.4	20,737
Toyota Corolla	84.6%	80.5%	+4	13,129

Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). National first-time pass rate 77.3%. Applies to Great Britain — Northern Ireland is tested by the DVA under a separate manual.

Skoda Octavia

Mk4, 2020+ · compact family hatch and estate (saloon-shaped hatch)

The Mk4 Skoda Octavia (2020+) shares the VW Golf Mk8 platform — including its early infotainment software bugs (resolved in 2023+ updates). The eTSI 48V mild-hybrid starter generator has occasional faults, and DSG DQ381 is well-sorted. Best-buy: 2023+. Worst: 2020–2022 infotainment.

What goes wrong

Mk4 infotainment softwaremoderate
Touchscreen freezes; haptic-touch climate slider non-responsive; CarPlay drops
2020–2022 · Free under software update
Check: Confirm software version updated to ME3.2 or later.
eTSI 48V starter generatorminor
Stop-start unavailable; "mild hybrid" warning
2020+ eTSI variants · £800–£1,200 unit replacement
Check: Test stop-start engagement once warm.
DSG DQ381 (wet-clutch) — generally robustminor
Rare hesitation; occasional fluid service flag
All DSG Mk4 · Service every 35,000 miles · DSG service £350–£500
Check: Service history must show DSG fluid + filter at correct interval.
Front lower control-arm bushingsminor
Knocking on rough surfaces
All Mk4 · 60,000+ miles · £220–£380
Check: Speed bump test.

Typical asking price:: £13,000–£30,000 (2020–2024)
Real-world economy:: 49–57 mpg 2.0 TDI; 42–47 mpg 1.5 TSI
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2023, 2024
Years to avoid:: 2020, 2021, 2022

Full Octavia fault guide Used Skodas

Toyota Corolla

E210, 2019+ · compact hybrid hatch and saloon

The E210 Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2019+) is the most reliable car in its class in the UK. The hybrid system is solid to 125,000+ miles. Minor concerns are rear shock corrosion in coastal areas, an inverter coolant pump recall on some examples, and Touch 2 infotainment lag (cosmetic). Best-buy: any year. Worst: none — exceptional consistency.

What goes wrong

Inverter coolant pumpmoderate
"Hybrid system check" warning; reduced EV-only operation
2019–2020 (recall on some VINs) · Free under recall; £450 otherwise
Check: Verify recall completion via VIN with Toyota UK or the gov.uk recall checker.
Rear shock corrosion (coastal areas)minor
Rust around shock mount; advisory on MOT
All E210 in coastal areas (e.g. the west coast, Scotland, the South West) · Time-driven, typically 5+ years · £200–£350
Check: Underbody inspection at viewing — bring a torch.
Touch 2 infotainment lagminor
Slow response to taps; CarPlay reconnect needed
2019–2022 (Touch 2) · No fix — software limitation. Toyota Smart Connect (post-2023) is significantly better.
Check: Use infotainment for 10+ minutes during test drive — assess if you can live with the lag.
Hybrid 12V auxiliary batteryminor
Cars not used regularly may struggle to wake the hybrid system
All E210 · Battery age, typically 4–5 years · £220–£350 battery replacement
Check: Toyota battery health test at Toyota dealer (£20–£30 if not free).

Typical asking price:: £16,000–£28,000 (2019–2024)
Real-world economy:: 59–71 mpg real-world hybrid — best-in-class on UK roads
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Full Corolla fault guide Used Toyotas

Which one suits you

Skoda Octavia

Good for: Practical family buyers wanting Golf substance with Skoda value — bigger boot, lower price.

Less good for: Buyers without tolerance for early Mk4 infotainment quirks.

Toyota Corolla

Good for: Anyone prioritising reliability, lowest running costs, and fuss-free ownership. Ideal for new drivers and high-mileage commuters.

Less good for: Buyers wanting performance or premium-cabin feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, the Skoda Octavia or the Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla. It passes its first MOT 1.6 percentage points more often than the Skoda Octavia once both are age-adjusted, across 33,866 DVSA-recorded tests.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Skoda Octavia?

80.5% of Skoda Octavias pass their MOT first time, from 20,737 tests in DVSA's records. The national first-time rate is 77.3%, but cars of this model's age average 78.1% — so it runs 2.4 points better than its age group.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Toyota Corolla?

84.6% of Toyota Corollas pass their MOT first time, from 13,129 tests. Against the 80.5% that cars of its age average, it runs 4 points better.

Which years should I avoid?

For the Skoda Octavia, Pre-2023 Mk4 inherited the Mk8 Golf's infotainment issues directly. For the Toyota Corolla, No standout problem year — the most cited issues are surface-level (infotainment, body corrosion in coastal areas) rather than mechanical.

Which is cheaper to run?

The Skoda Octavia returns 49–57 mpg 2.0 TDI; 42–47 mpg 1.5 TSI in real UK driving; the Toyota Corolla returns 59–71 mpg real-world hybrid — best-in-class on UK roads. Vehicle tax: Octavia — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).; Corolla — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).. Insurance differs mainly by driver and postcode rather than by model, so treat any model-level insurance figure with caution.

MOT figures are counted from DVSA records and are the only measured statistic here. Prices, economy and tax bands are indicative and vary by specification, condition and where the car has lived. Last reviewed: 2026-08-14 / 2026-08-14.