As per the title I am going to look at a 2022 PHEV estate that says it has had only 2 services, last about 3 weeks ago.

From reading on here people seem to say that an annual oil change is important for PHEV vehicles so I was wondering how a lack of one might manifest itself and what I should potentially look out for.

TFYH

Nobody?

Hello. It also depends on the car’s mileage. If it’s high, that could be a problem; if it’s low, it might be fine…

41k so slightly above average these days I suppose for a 4 year old

As long as the bills are there and everything is properly tracked (including manufacturer recalls), I wouldn’t have a problem with that.

So annual oil change isn't that important then?

I ask only because various threads here have very much said that it is.

Annual oil change is important in any vehicle for obvious reasons. It’s probably overdue a DCT oil change too if I recall correctly. Not doing it is going to accelerate wear and tear. It’s also a hint about the kind of owner who had it. Since it’s not as if you can’t buy another Octavia I’d steer clear of this one for that reason alone and look at one that has been better looked after.

On 03/05/2026 at 00:42, redddevil said:

So annual oil change isn't that important then?

It is even more important in PHEV because engine is often running on sub-optimal temperatures. Does seller explain somehow why they skipped servicing?

1.4 TSI PHEV,s were supposed to be on a Fixed / Annual Oil & Filter change. But then if they were seldom being charged and run on Electric only no harm with the engine as it has Long Life oil and is getting fired up lots and hopefully at the good operating temperate. The DQ400-e DSG Service interval is @ 40,000 miles or sooner, Oil & Filter. Spark plugs replace as well. The air filter needs checked it might never have been looked at and with Full Main Dealer Servicing & FMDSH might not get replaced or looked at for another 2 years. Has the Brake Fluid ever been replaced?

Edited 4 May4 May by Evolution13

12 hours ago, whippersnapper said:

Since it’s not as if you can’t buy another Octavia I’d steer clear of this one for that reason alone and look at one that has been better looked after.

Actually it's not that easy to just buy another Octavia PHEV 'cause there aren't so many of them about.

Don't know the reason for only 2 services nor the actual history yet as haven't seen car (which is being sold by Carsa). Was meant to test drive it today but they've just rung to say they haven't got it to my local branch yet so will look elsewhere in the meantime.

Thanks for the helpful replies.

Many Fleet or Motability cars are just allowed to be serviced on Variable / Flexible service regimes. Ridiculous with Motability IMO. I see advertised 32 2022/2023 1.4 TSI PHEV Estates on Autotrader from £10,899 High miles, and then quite a few low miles. Even a Cat C. XXXXXXX EDIT, sorry there are mixed in there MHEV,s and non PHEV,s.

Edited 4 May4 May by Evolution13

I drive a Škoda Octavia vRS iV, registered 10/2022, currently at 247,000 km.

The battery is still in good condition, but there are a few important things worth mentioning.

Oil changes are absolutely essential every 15,000 km. The DQ400e gearbox is not trouble-free. Changing the oil itself is relatively easy, but replacing the almost impossible, or extremely expensive.

On earlier models like mine, there is also an issue with one of the gaskets — the one with built-in small filters. It is possible, as happened in my case, for part of it to end up in the solenoid valve channel, causing the gearbox to fail.

In my case, the entire gearbox was replaced with a brand-new one under warranty at 148,000 km.

Other repairs so far:

• Charging port replaced at 175,000 km

• Four front suspension bushes replaced at 245,000 km — I installed solid ones from an Audi S3

Overall, the car is holding up well for the mileage, but anyone running or considering a vRS iV should pay close attention to gearbox maintenance.