2016 Skoda Yeti 2.0L Diesel · GD65 LBV

The most recent MOT on 19 January 2026 was passed, but it carried four advisories covering near‑side rear sub‑frame corrosion, thin inner rear‑brake pads, near‑side front tyre wear close to the legal limit and early tyre perishing. The preceding year’s test also noted a light oil mist on the near‑side front shock absorber, while the 2022 test recorded an off‑side rear tyre perished. Earlier MOTs (2019‑2021) were clean. This pattern shows a gradual emergence of age‑related wear rather than a sudden failure, indicating a maintenance trend that is beginning to deteriorate after several years of fault‑free results. At ten years old the vehicle has logged 49,346 miles, averaging roughly 4,900 miles per annum. This is well below the typical UK average of 8‑10 000 miles per year, suggesting the car has been used lightly or has spent extended periods stationary. Light mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, but it does not arrest calendar‑based degradation such as rubber hardening, fluid oxidation or corrosion that can develop while the car sits. The low utilisation also means that any wear that does exist may be concentrated on components that have been stressed intermittently, such as the brakes and tyres. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the near‑side rear sub‑frame where corrosion was noted. Inspect the welds and mounting points for any signs of rust penetration, especially around the rear suspension mounting brackets; any flex or clunk when applying torque to the rear wheels could indicate weakening. The rear brake pads are reported as thin on the inner side, so a visual check of pad thickness is essential and the discs should be examined for scoring or glazing; a shudder or pulsation when braking, especially under moderate load, would suggest the pads are near the end of their service life and the discs may need resurfacing or replacement. The near‑side front tyre is both worn close to the legal minimum tread depth and shows early cracking, which is a classic sign of tyre perishing from age; verify the sidewall condition, tread uniformity and look for bulges or foreign objects. The off‑side rear tyre that perished in 2022 should be confirmed as replaced and matched in size and specification to the remaining tyres, and the overall tyre set should be assessed for age – tyres older than six years should be considered for wholesale replacement regardless of tread depth. Beyond the specific advisories, a thorough buyer inspection should include a check of all tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or cracking, especially given the vehicle’s age and periods of low mileage. Examine the suspension bushings, ball joints and the front shock absorber for any oil leakage, excessive play or noisy movement when the wheel is rocked; oil mist on the shock can presage seal failure and loss of damping performance. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test or voltage check will reveal any capacity loss that often accompanies long idle periods. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust and ensure the calipers move freely without binding; corrosion on the caliper pins can cause uneven pad wear. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes, as these fluids degrade with time even when the car is not driven hard. Any evidence of neglected fluid servicing should be addressed before committing to purchase, as degraded fluids can lead to premature wear of engine and braking components.