2014 Skoda Citigo 1.0L Petrol · AP14 RFJ

This 2014 Skoda Citigo presents a generally stable, albeit recently challenged, MOT history that culminated in a pass on December 11, 2025, following a rectification of failures just one day prior. The vehicle has historically enjoyed clean test passes in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, indicating a well-maintained and reliable compact hatchback for the majority of its life. However, the December 2025 MOT test brought to light a flurry of major failures and advisories concerning the braking system, parking brake adjustment, fuel cap integrity, and front suspension bushes. While these immediate issues were resolved to secure the certificate, the appearance of these component degradations suggests that the vehicle has entered a life stage where routine wear and tear items require more diligent oversight and timely replacement. With a recorded mileage of 90,282 miles at roughly twelve years of age, this Citigo has accumulated an average of approximately 7,500 miles per year, which aligns closely with typical UK driving patterns for this class of car. This steady annual usage indicates that the engine, transmission, and auxiliary systems have been exercised regularly, avoiding the specific pitfalls associated with long periods of standing, such as seized mechanical parts, deeply pitted brake discs, or dormant battery failure. Nevertheless, reaching the ninety-thousand-mile threshold means that critical chassis components, steering joints, and suspension dampeners have endured significant cyclic loading, making a thorough physical inspection of the underside essential during your viewing. Given the recent advisory history, your physical and dynamic inspection must focus heavily on the front suspension and braking assemblies. The December 2025 test noted wear on both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm rear bushes. As these rubber bushes degrade, you may notice vague steering response, wandering under braking, or a dull knocking sound when negotiating potholes or speed bumps. During the test drive, listen carefully for any suspension clunks and check that the car tracks straight. Additionally, the recent mentions of pitted, scored, or slightly binding brake discs indicate that the friction surfaces are nearing the end of their usable life. Pay close attention to any shudder through the brake pedal when stopping from speed, and inspect the alloy or steel wheels after a test drive to ensure one corner is not running noticeably hotter than the others, which would confirm a sticking caliper or slider. Beyond the specific MOT flags, verify the service history to ensure that routine maintenance such as oil changes, spark plug replacements, and brake fluid flushes have been carried out at regular intervals, regardless of mileage. Check the condition of the tyres for uneven wear patterns that would suggest incorrect wheel alignment resulting from worn suspension geometry, and inspect the tyre sidewalls for age-related perishing or cracking. Finally, test all electrical functions within the cabin, including the auxiliary heater blower and lighting systems, and ensure the manual parking brake holds the vehicle securely on a steep incline without needing to be pulled up to its maximum travel limit.