2016 Skoda Yeti 1.2L Petrol · AV16 RVR

The vehicle's most recent DVSA examination on 19 August 2025 resulted in a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that at the point of test the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements. Reviewing the broader pattern, the Yeti has alternated between Pass and Fail outcomes over successive annual tests in 2023 and 2025, though notably both Fail entries do not carry any recorded defect categories, which suggests they were either administrative in nature or the issues prompting refusal were rectified and resubmitted shortly afterwards. There are no advisory items recorded across any of the tests, which is an unusual situation for a ten year old vehicle and points to either a particularly well maintained example or, more likely, a vehicle that has seen very limited use and therefore has not generated wear related advisories on components such as brake pads, tyres, or suspension components. Overall the maintenance trend appears stable, with the most recent test confirming a clean state and no underlying mechanical concerns flagged by the testing station. With 12,843 miles recorded against a ten year old vehicle, this Yeti has covered an average of roughly 1,284 miles per year, which is exceptionally low even by the standards of vehicles typically regarded as low mileage. Such a figure suggests one of two usage profiles: either a second or third household car used sparingly for short journeys, or a vehicle that has spent considerable periods standing unused, possibly garaged. Low annual mileage of this nature carries its own mechanical considerations. Engines, gearboxes, and differentials that are seldom run up to full operating temperature accumulate internal condensation, leading to oil degradation and potential seal perishing. Brake discs and callipers can corrode and seize when stood idle for extended intervals, while coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid all degrade on a calendar basis regardless of distance covered. Equally, a 12V battery that has been subject to frequent short trips or long standing periods is likely to be near the end of its useful life, and the auxiliary drive belt, along with rubber hoses and seals, will have aged chemically rather than mechanically. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component flagged for imminent attention, so attention should turn to age related deterioration that the MOT test alone may not fully reveal. A physical inspection should commence with the tyres, examining the sidewalls for cracking and perishing caused by UV exposure over a decade, and confirming that the tread depth, while legally compliant at test, has not hardened with age, which would compromise wet grip even with adequate tread. The brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion pitting and the calliper slide pins for stiffness, ideally by test driving from cold and feeling for any pulling, juddering, or delayed release. Under the bonnet, the battery should be load tested and its manufacture date checked, as a battery older than five years is typically considered for replacement. All fluid reservoirs should be examined, and the service history scrutinised to confirm that engine oil and filter changes have been carried out on a calendar basis, typically every twelve months regardless of mileage, together with brake fluid replacement every two years and coolant renewal at manufacturer specified intervals. On a road test, particular attention should be paid to cold starting behaviour, listening for any smoke from the exhaust indicative of oil burning through valve guides, and noting whether the engine reaches a stable idle promptly. The clutch should be exercised thoroughly, as clutches that have seen minimal use can develop corrosion on the pressure plate friction surface, leading to judder or slipping when first brought back into regular service. The suspension should be evaluated over uneven road surfaces for any knocking from worn anti roll bar links, top mounts, or bushes, which are common failure items on a Yeti of this age. The air conditioning system should be checked for effective cooling, as prolonged disuse can allow refrigerant seals to perish and refrigerant to escape. Finally, the underbody should be placed on a ramp or inspected with a torch for any corrosion, particularly around the suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers, and the timing belt or chain service interval verified against the manufacturer's schedule, as a ten year old vehicle with low mileage may nevertheless be approaching a major service requirement based on age alone rather than distance covered.