2014 Skoda Rapid 1.2L Petrol · AM05 RGM

The most recent MOT entry on 15 May 2026 records a failure at 37,279 miles due to a fractured offside front coil spring, a major structural defect that would have prevented the vehicle from obtaining a certificate at that point. A pass was also issued on the same date, suggesting the repair was carried out immediately and the car was retested successfully before leaving the centre. With only four tests on file across twelve years, the maintenance trend cannot be described as stable or improving; the data is simply too sparse, and the two failures recorded in consecutive years (the lambda sensor reading in May 2025 and the coil spring in May 2026) indicate that age-related wear is beginning to surface. Annual mileage of roughly 3,100 miles is notably low for a 2014 vehicle, pointing to either limited regular use or extended periods of standing. This pattern often masks deterioration, as low-mileage cars frequently suffer from seized brake calipers, dried rubber bushes, perished coolant hoses, and degraded battery cells, even when the recorded miles suggest minimal mechanical stress. The gap between the first recorded test in May 2024 and the previous activity suggests MOT history only began being logged seriously from that point, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the vehicle's earlier life. The lambda sensor failure in 2025 is consistent with infrequent use of the catalyst and oxygen sensing systems. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension in person. The fractured offside coil spring is a clear sign that the remaining springs, top mounts, and shock absorbers warrant a thorough visual inspection, as coil springs tend to fail progressively rather than in isolation on a vehicle of this age. The lambda reading fault raises concerns about the exhaust system, catalytic converter efficiency, and any underlying fuelling or air intake issues that may be affecting emissions. Given the low usage pattern, the brake system should be examined for seized calipers or binding handbrake mechanisms, the tyres checked for age-related cracking despite their tread depth, and the general underbody assessed for corrosion and perished rubber components.