2014 Skoda Yeti 1.2L Petrol · DF63 EUT

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 February 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that at the time of test the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with seven consecutive passes recorded between 2020 and early 2025. The sole interruption to this otherwise clean record was a failure on 13 March 2025 concerning both rear suspension arms, which were deemed corroded and seriously weakened. The vehicle was subsequently presented and passed the very next day with no defects recorded, suggesting remedial repair work was carried out promptly. The absence of any further advisories at the most recent test indicates that the corrosion issues identified a year prior have been resolved to a satisfactory standard. With a recorded mileage of 65,913 miles over approximately twelve years, this Yeti has averaged around 5,493 miles annually, which is notably low for a car of its vintage. Such modest annual usage typically reflects either a predominantly short-journey, second-car role or extended periods of standing between uses. Mechanically, low annual mileage is not without its own concerns, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate certain age-related deterioration, particularly corrosion of underbody and suspension components, brake disc surface corrosion, and degradation of rubber and fluid items that fail through calendar ageing rather than wear. Given the relatively low annual usage and the vehicle's age, particular attention should be paid to components that deteriorate with time regardless of mileage. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber compounds harden over twelve years and even tyres with adequate tread depth may be unsafe due to age-related degradation; the production date code on the sidewall will confirm this. Examine the brake discs for severe surface corrosion or pitting, which is common on lightly used vehicles, and verify that the calipers are not seizing by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when released. Check the 12 volt battery health, as batteries typically fail after five to seven years regardless of use, and look for any signs of binding or uneven pad wear that might suggest a stuck caliper piston or guide pins. A thorough test drive should focus on listening for any clonks or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly given the earlier corrosion advisories on the rear arms, and watch for any wandering or instability that might suggest weakened bushes or mounting points. Inspect the underbody for any fresh corrosion, paying close attention to the rear axle beam, trailing arms, and mounting brackets, as the previous failure suggests this area may be prone to corrosion. Verify the service history book stamps and confirm that time-based items such as brake fluid, coolant, and the timing belt or chain service interval have been attended to in line with manufacturer schedules rather than purely mileage intervals. Finally, request evidence of the suspension repair undertaken in March 2025 to ensure proper quality components were fitted and that the work addressed both sides comprehensively.