2013 Skoda Rapid 1.2L Petrol · NG62 DVL

A pattern of brake-related wear, culminating in a dangerous brake pad failure and a fractured front coil spring in April 2025, defines the mechanical profile of this 2013 Skoda Rapid. Although the vehicle returned to a clean pass at the subsequent tests on May 5 2025 and most recently on 15 July 2026, the 2025 failure warrants close attention. The nearside front coil spring fracture is a structural suspension failure that can cause loss of vehicle control and would have required immediate replacement before the car could be re-presented. Likewise, the brake disc wear on both the nearside rear and offside front across two separate test dates suggests recurring attention to the braking system is required rather than a single isolated repair. With no recorded defects at the most recent test, the immediate roadworthiness position is satisfactory, but the recent history points to active wear areas that a prospective buyer must inspect carefully. Recorded mileage of 76,172 miles over thirteen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,859 miles, which is below average for the vehicle's age and indicates either a period of reduced use or extended standing between journeys. There are no prolonged gaps in the MOT record, with annual tests consistently present from 2021 onwards, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than off the road for any multi-year period. The steady year-on-year test entries also rule out any long-term lay-up that would otherwise raise concerns about brake caliper seizure, brake disc corrosion, or fluid degradation. Lower annual mileage tends to reduce wear on drivetrain components but does not eliminate suspension and brake deterioration, as evidenced by the coil spring fracture and brake pad failure noted above. A prospective buyer should physically inspect the nearside front suspension area, including the coil spring, top mount, and shock absorber, looking for any signs of incomplete repair such as uneven ride height, knocking over bumps, or visible corrosion on the spring coils. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to steering precision and braking response. With two brake disc wear advisories on record across separate test events, the offside front and nearside rear discs and pads should be measured for remaining thickness, the caliper slide pins checked for free movement, and any pedal judder, pulling to one side under heavy braking, or a soft brake pedal investigated before purchase. Given the 2022 advisories for both front tyres worn on the edges, wheel alignment should be verified and the current tyres examined for uneven shoulder wear, which would indicate worn suspension linkages or bushes. The single advisory regarding a corroded exhaust centre sleeve clamp in March 2024 should also be checked, as continued corrosion at this joint could lead to exhaust leaks, fumes entering the vehicle, or MOT failure at a future test. While the most recent pass is encouraging, the buyer should budget for ongoing brake and suspension maintenance and obtain documented evidence that the coil spring, brake pads, and worn brake discs were replaced to a satisfactory standard following the April 2025 failure.