2017 Skoda Yeti 2.0L Diesel · JB15 ALE

A nine-year-old Yeti presenting this level of MOT cleanliness is unusual, with six consecutive passes from 2021 through to the most recent test on 26 January 2026, and no recorded defects on any of those examinations. The only items ever flagged are a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit in 2021 and a defective offside front wiper blade recorded as a minor in 2020, neither of which has reappeared in subsequent tests. The absence of recurring advisories on suspension components, brake pipes, exhaust integrity, or structural corrosion is notable for a vehicle of this age, suggesting that the areas typically associated with age-related deterioration on the Yeti platform have not so far triggered any examiner concern. That said, the test record is essentially advisory-free rather than defect-rich in either direction, so it establishes a clean roadworthiness baseline but cannot, on its own, speak to mechanical condition beyond what was visible on test day. The recorded mileage of 35,680 against nine years of registration works out at roughly 3,960 miles per year, which is well below average for a car that has been in continuous use. There are no multi-year gaps in the testing record, which means the vehicle has not been off the road for any extended lay-up period where issues such as brake disc corrosion, dry rubber components, or deteriorated underbody protection typically develop unnoticed. However, low annual mileage on a turbocharged petrol or diesel Yeti carries its own considerations: short journeys and long standing periods can promote oil varnish in the turbo and on the timing chain components, condensation within the engine and exhaust system, and gradual depletion of battery capacity. The fact that the recorded mileages have produced such a sparse advisory history suggests light rather than punishing use, but a buyer should still treat the odometer reading as one indicator rather than a guarantee of mechanical state. Given that the only recorded tyre advisory was on the nearside front in 2021, the front axle geometry and tyre wear pattern are worth scrutinising on inspection. Look for uneven shoulder wear, feathering on the tread blocks, or camber indicators of worn wishbone bushes or top mounts, all of which are common on the Yeti as the front subframe bushes age. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness in the steering around the straight-ahead position, which can indicate worn drop links or track rod ends developing play. The brakes have not been flagged in any test, but a standing check should still include a close look at the rear calipers, which on low-mileage vehicles can bind slightly due to corroded slider pins if the car has seen predominantly gentle use. Pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm braking would suggest disc runout rather than pad wear and is worth distinguishing from the two. The 2020 wiper blade minor is the only recorded electrical-related item, so the test record gives no direct indication of issues with the central locking, infotainment, or climate control systems, but these are worth confirming in person. On the test drive, check that the dual-zone climate control holds temperature and that the rear hatch release and electric mirrors operate consistently, as intermittent electrical faults are not always visible to an MOT examiner. Listen carefully for any timing chain rattle on cold start, a known Yeti concern particularly on the 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI units, and watch for blue smoke from the tailpipe under hard acceleration which can indicate turbo seal wear. Finally, inspect the underbody and exhaust mounting rubbers for any surface corrosion that an MOT examiner might have classed as advisory rather than failure, as low-mileage Yetis can still develop localised rust around the rear trailing arm mounts and undertray fixings despite passing tests cleanly.