2014 Skoda Yeti 1.2L Petrol · HG14 EVL

A recurring pattern of wear and minor leaks defines the mechanical history of this 2014 Skoda Yeti; while the latest MOT on 17 November 2025 was passed with no defects recorded, the record shows repeated advisories for thin brake pads, oil seepage and progressive suspension component wear, punctuated by two failures – a front position lamp fault in 2023 and a severe tyre cut in 2020. The trend suggests that the vehicle has remained roadworthy enough to pass, but underlying component degradation has been accumulating rather than being fully resolved between tests. At 76,286 miles the Yeti averages roughly 6,300 miles per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within typical usage for a twelve‑year‑old family SUV. Annual MOTs have been logged without significant gaps, indicating consistent testing but also revealing that wear items are emerging at a pace consistent with age rather than excessive mileage. The moderate mileage means that high‑stress components such as the drivetrain are unlikely to be near the end of their service life, yet age‑related wear on brakes, suspension bushes and seals is evident. Prospective buyers should focus on the brake system: both front and rear pads have been flagged as thin on several occasions, so expect reduced pad thickness and possible disc wear. During a test drive listen for squeal or grinding, feel for any pedal judder, and verify firm, consistent braking performance. The parking brake lever was recorded as defective yet still operable; check for a firm handbrake pull, ensure the lever does not bind, and inspect the surrounding mechanism for excessive play. The recurring oil leak advisories, though classified as non‑excessive, warrant a visual inspection of the engine bay for fresh oil spots and a check of oil level; any persistent seepage could point to ageing gaskets or a cracked breather pipe that may worsen. The suspension and steering components have shown gradual deterioration: slight play was noted on the near‑side front track rod end, MacPherson strut ball joint and anti‑roll bar linkage, while the off‑side rear inner arm pin or bush was flagged as worn. On a drive, listen for clunks or knocks over bumps, monitor for any steering pull or uneven tyre wear, and feel for looseness in the steering wheel. Tyre condition also requires attention; past cuts on the off‑side front and rear tyres and a cracked near‑side front tyre suggest that the current tyre set should be inspected for sidewall integrity and tread depth, with replacement likely needed. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection addressing these specific items, together with a functional check of the near‑side front position lamp, will give a clear picture of any imminent maintenance costs and the overall roadworthiness of the vehicle.