2013 Skoda Rapid 1.2L Petrol · HW13 AAU

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 2nd June 2026, although this followed a failure on the same day involving critical electronic faults. The overall maintenance trend appears to be declining, transitioning from routine wear-and-tear advisories in 2024 to more systemic electronic failures concerning the electronic stability control and electronic power steering systems. The presence of a persistent oil leak, which has been noted across multiple annual tests, suggests a long-term deficiency in sealing that has not been permanently rectified. With 117,895 miles recorded over 13 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 9,069 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a car of this age and indicates a consistent operational history rather than periods of prolonged standing or excessive heavy-duty use. At this mileage, the drivetrain and chassis have undergone standard wear, meaning the buyer should expect the natural end-of-life for several original rubber components and should verify the service history regarding the timing belt and water pump intervals, as these are critical maintenance items for this mileage bracket. The persistent advisory regarding an oil leak requires close physical inspection. While deemed not excessive by the inspector, the buyer should check for seepage around the rocker cover, sump plug, or oil filter housing. During the test drive, pay close attention to the steering feel and stability control response, as the recent failures in these areas can be indicative of intermittent sensor faults or more costly electronic control unit issues. Additionally, the recorded corrosion on the rear exhaust suggests the system is nearing the end of its service life; listen for an increased drone or rasping sound during acceleration, which would indicate further deterioration or holes in the silencer. The 2024 records highlight wear in the front suspension arm rear bushes and thinning brake pads. Although these may have been addressed, the buyer should listen for clunking or knocking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed steering maneuvers, which would signal that the bushes remain worn. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for the cracking and perishing previously noted on the nearside front, as this indicates age-related rubber degradation. Finally, because the vehicle has been fitted with undertrays that hindered full inspection during the MOT, a professional pre-purchase inspection on a lift is strongly recommended to verify the structural integrity of the chassis and the extent of any underbody corrosion.