2017 Skoda Citigo 1.0L Petrol · LS17 BNO

A chronic pattern of rear tyre deterioration defines the DVSA roadworthiness history of this 2017 SKODA CITIGO, with both nearside and offside rear items carrying the same "slightly damaged/cracking or perishing" advisory at every single test where any defect was recorded, spanning four consecutive examinations from March 2023 through August 2026. The most recent assessment on 15 August 2026 passed cleanly apart from these identical twin advisories, continuing an unbroken sequence rather than indicating any new development. More serious is the recorded test on 11 March 2023, which resulted in a failure under two distinct categories: a Major defect for a nearside front tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions, and a Dangerous defect for an offside front tyre with ply or cords exposed. That same date also shows a retest entry marked as passed, but only after the dangerous tyre condition was presumably rectified, meaning the vehicle has at one point been presented for examination in an unroadworthy state with exposed cord on a steering axle. The intervening tests from 2020 through 2022 returned no advisories at all, which suggests the rear tyre cracking emerged relatively recently and has since become an entrenched, recurring finding rather than a one-off observation. Against a nine-year vehicle age, the recorded mileage of 22,367 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 2,485 miles, which is substantially lighter than average usage for a car of this era. The recorded readings at the MOT appointments are insufficient to determine exactly when this mileage accrued, but the consistent annual testing pattern from March 2020 onwards, with tests occurring each spring or early autumn between 2020 and 2026, demonstrates it has not been left off the road for extended unlicensed periods. Low annual mileage of this magnitude typically correlates with reduced wear on major drivetrain and engine components, but it can also accelerate sidewall deterioration in tyres, particularly on vehicles that stand stationary for long stretches between short journeys, as the rubber can dry and crack from under-inflation, prolonged weight bearing, and limited working temperature cycles. The persistent rear tyre advisories across four consecutive tests despite what appears to be relatively gentle use are therefore notable, as they suggest the rubber compound is ageing faster than the mechanical components. A prospective buyer should treat the rear tyres as an immediate and recurring maintenance liability, budgeting for replacement at point of purchase rather than waiting for further deterioration, given that the same advisory has now appeared four times in three years. On inspection, both rear tyres should be examined closely for visible sidewall cracking, bulging, or any exposed cord, as the advisory wording of "slightly" can mask more advanced perishing that an examiner has judged still within the legal pass threshold. The front axle warrants particular attention because of the 2023 failure: check that the nearside front tyre is fitted with the sidewall rotation or directional indicator correctly oriented, and confirm there is no abnormal step wear, feathering, or uneven shoulder wear suggesting alignment or suspension geometry issues. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as low-mileage cars frequently suffer from perished or seized bushes in the anti-roll bar linkages, wishbones, and track rod ends that may not have been exercised enough to manifest symptoms but can degrade silently over years. The brake system has not been flagged in any recorded MOT entry, but given the low annual mileage, it is prudent to verify that the caliper sliding pins and rear drum or caliper mechanisms have not seized through infrequent use, which can lead to uneven pad wear, pulling under braking, or binding that overheats discs. Carry out a firm foot brake application from around 30 mph and confirm the car pulls up straight without pedal judder or vibration through the steering wheel, the latter potentially indicating warped front discs from such binding. The steering should be checked for any slack, vagueness, or knocking when turning at low speed over a kerb or driveway entrance, as the Citigo is known to wear front strut top mounts and anti-roll bar drop links with age. Given the long-term pattern of rear tyre perishing on a vehicle of such modest mileage, a buyer should also verify the manufacturing date on all replacement tyres, as fitting old stock rubber can perpetuate the same cracking pattern observed in the MOT history regardless of how new the tyres technically are.