2016 Skoda Yeti 1.2L Petrol · GL16 YJZ

Front‑end wear dominates the MOT narrative, with the latest 2026 test flagging a severely deteriorated nearside front anti‑roll bar linkage ball‑joint dust cover and an earlier 2023 advisory highlighting a badly degraded nearside front outer CV boot. A 2022 advisory about thin front brake pads adds to the picture of progressive front‑axle component wear, although no outright failures have been recorded and the vehicle has passed every test since 2019. At 80,638 mi the car averages just over 8,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal UK usage for a ten‑year‑old model. The MOT history shows an uninterrupted annual testing cadence, indicating no prolonged periods of inactivity that might conceal hidden corrosion or fluid deterioration. The steady mileage suggests wear on consumables will be in line with expectations for a vehicle of this age, rather than accelerated by high‑kilometre abuse. When inspecting, focus on the nearside front anti‑roll bar linkage: feel for any looseness or clunking when applying steering inputs or traversing bumps, and check for grease leakage around the ball‑joint housing. Examine the outer CV boot for cracks or torn fabric and listen for a rhythmic clicking from the CV joint during cornering, which would signal imminent failure. The front brake system should be probed for pad thickness and uniform wear; a thin‑pad condition can manifest as a high‑pitched squeal on initial braking or a slight increase in pedal travel. Verify that the brake pedal feels firm and does not pulsate under sustained application, which would indicate disc or pad issues beyond the advisory. A prudent pre‑purchase inspection would therefore include a detailed visual and tactile assessment of the front anti‑roll bar dust cover, CV boot, and brake pads, supplemented by a road test that checks for steering pull, front‑end vibration, and any abnormal noises over uneven surfaces. Anticipating the replacement of the anti‑roll bar dust cover and CV boot, and budgeting for fresh front brake pads, will address the recurring wear points highlighted by the MOT record and help ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy beyond the next test.