2013 Skoda Rapid 1.2L Petrol · FR13 ABV

The vehicle's roadworthiness trend is worsening, as evidenced by the February 2026 MOT failure. The tester flagged binding and fluctuating rear brakes, alongside significant wear on the rear brake disc, corroded exhaust components, and a severely deteriorated offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. These issues compound earlier advisories from the March 2025 pass, which noted brake disc wear and suspension bush wear, indicating a deterioration in critical braking and structural components over time. Mileage progression aligns with typical usage for a 13-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,087 miles annually. The recorded 105,126 miles reflect steady accumulation, with notable jumps between tests, such as the 9,600-mile increase from October 2021 to September 2022. MOT records are consistent, with annual or near-annual testing intervals, suggesting regular maintenance attempts. However, recurring defects in key systems imply that routine servicing may not have fully addressed underlying wear or corrosion issues. Prospective buyers should prioritise inspection of the rear braking system, particularly calipers and discs, given the history of binding and excessive wear. The exhaust system requires close examination for structural corrosion, especially around joints and sleeves. The offside front suspension, including the anti-roll bar linkage and wishbone bushings, must be assessed for play or damage, as multiple advisories highlight progressive wear. Tyres should be checked for bulges or cuts, and the wiper and washer mechanisms tested for effectiveness, as these have failed intermittently in past tests. The fractured coil spring from 2022 also warrants verification of current suspension integrity.