2016 Skoda Citigo 1.0L Petrol · DF16 ENX

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 August 2026 returned a PASS, though two advisories were issued: the front brake disc was again noted as worn, pitted or scored but not seriously weakened, and both rear tyres were recorded as cracked and perished. Looking at the broader pattern across the last four MOTs, there is a clear and consistent advisories trend relating to the front brake discs, with this defect now appearing at three consecutive annual tests in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The rear tyre advisory first surfaced in 2025 and has progressed into outright perishing by 2026. An isolated presentation failure for both front position lamps occurred in August 2023, rectified at the same test. Aside from these points, the vehicle has passed every examination cleanly with no structural, corrosion, suspension or exhaust advisories, indicating an overall stable but deteriorating maintenance profile centred on consumable wear. With a recorded mileage of 38,501 miles over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged around 3,850 miles per year, which is notably low for its age and suggests periods of limited driving, possibly including extended standing periods. Such usage patterns place less mechanical wear on the engine, clutch, drivetrain and major internal components, but elevate the risk of degradation from inactivity. Standing or infrequent use can lead to brake disc corrosion and binding calipers, 12 volt battery failure, dry or perished rubber components including tyres, coolant and brake fluid degradation beyond their service life, and moisture accumulation in the engine oil. Given the recurring front brake disc advisory, the discs should be physically inspected for lip corrosion, surface pitting and the caliper slide pins checked for freedom of movement. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding or rattling from the front brakes, and feel for juddering or vibration through the steering wheel under steady braking, which would suggest the disc wear has progressed beyond advisory tolerance and a replacement is imminent. Likewise, the rear tyres flagged as cracked and perished in the most recent test are likely to have aged further since the August 2026 MOT and should be replaced as a matter of priority; on inspection, look for visible sidewall cracking, bulges or tread depth approaching the legal 1.6mm limit, and verify that replacements match the manufacturer specification. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age and low mileage related checks are warranted. The 12 volt battery is approaching ten years of age and should be load tested to confirm it holds adequate charge, particularly as low use vehicles commonly suffer from premature battery failure. Brake fluid and engine coolant should be assessed for their replacement interval, as both degrade over calendar years irrespective of mileage, with brake fluid being hygroscopic and prone to moisture contamination if unchanged. Tyre sidewalls, suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links and the exhaust system should be examined for corrosion and perishing consistent with age rather than mileage, while all fluids, including the engine oil and screen wash, should be checked for correct level and condition. Confirming a complete service history with documented brake fluid changes and verifying the cam belt or timing chain replacement interval appropriate to the engine code will be essential for confident purchase.