2018 Skoda Citigo 1.0L Petrol · AF68 YVJ

The 2018 Skoda Citigo presents a mechanical profile marked by a pattern of recurring failures that requires careful examination despite the cleanest result achieved on 2025-09-23. Multiple failed MOTs spanning 2022 to early 2025 reveal persistent issues rather than isolated incidents, beginning with a 2022-12-05 failure involving incorrect front brake pad mounting and inadequate front tyre tread depth, followed by a 2022-12-06 pass that coincided with another failure later in the month. The progression from a 2023-12-05 pass through a 2024-10-06 pass and back to a 2025-09-22 failure demonstrates that the car's condition deteriorated significantly before stabilising briefly before resuming decline. The latest 2025-09-23 pass indicates temporary resolution of many concerns, yet the cumulative failure history means certain components remain outside their original specifications and merit immediate attention before acquisition. The recorded mileage of 67,729 miles on an eight-year-old vehicle translates to approximately 8,466 miles per annum, which aligns with expected usage for its age but masks important dynamics in how the vehicle was employed. The testing gap between the 2022-12-05 failure and the 2023-12-05 pass spans nearly four months with no intervening MOT, suggesting the car may have accumulated substantial distance before receiving professional review. Notably, the rear tyres appear in every failure record across 2022, 2023, and 2025, pointing to either continuous high wear or periods of reduced load that allowed rapid degradation. The absence of intermediate assessments between 2023 and 2024 provides limited insight into whether the car remained stable after the 2023 pass or whether hidden issues were gradually building toward the 2025 failure. Focusing on the specific components flagged in the MOT history, the front lower suspension arm pin and bushing exhibited severe wear in the 2025-09-22 failure, meaning the car should be inspected for any remaining play or noise over bumps during a test drive. The incorrectly mounted front brake pads noted in 2022 indicate potential for ongoing hydraulic leakage or uneven contact, requiring a visual and tactile check of the caliper slides and pad seating. The 2023-12-05 failure reported a headlamp aimed too far to the left, so the vehicle's lighting should be checked for proper centring to ensure no glare on the road ahead. Additionally, the consistently perishing rear tyres demand a detailed tread investigation, particularly examining the sidewall for uneven wear patterns that might correlate with suspension geometry issues such as camber or toe misalignment. Beyond the highlighted systems, the 2025-09-22 failure also listed an inoperable registration plate lamp, a minor regulatory issue but worth verifying as part of a full pre-purchase inspection. Given the car's past failures, recommendations include having the front lower suspension components thoroughly examined for complete replacement of worn pins and bushes, checking the brake line routing and pad mounting surfaces for corrosion or damage, and confirming all exterior lights are correctly aligned. A test drive should pay particular attention to the handling characteristics around corners and over bumps to detect any remaining suspension irregularities, while the brake pedal should be assessed for smooth modulation after any inspection reveals residual brake system concerns. Until these specific areas are confirmed sound, proceeding with purchase warrants caution due to the documented failure history.