2009 Skoda Yeti 1.2L Petrol · OV59 VVU

A pattern of minor but recurring advisories around rear braking components, rear tyre condition, and a persistent but non-critical oil leak defines the mechanical narrative of this 2009 Skoda Yeti, even though it has passed every MOT since 2023. The most recent test on 7 January 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting the rear brake pads and tyres flagged in late 2024 were subsequently replaced, but the underlying susceptibility of those components has been documented across multiple tests. The lone major failure in January 2024, a non-functional offside side repeater, was a simple electrical/lighting issue rather than a structural or mechanical concern, and the vehicle passed cleanly just afterwards. Overall, the trajectory is stable rather than deteriorating, but the pattern shows that consumables on the rear axle and the engine sealing require routine attention rather than being fit-and-forget items. At 119,913 miles over roughly seventeen years, this Yeti has averaged around 7,054 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of its age and class. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest extended periods off the road, with tests appearing at regular yearly intervals between 2023 and 2026. The mileage accumulation has been consistent and steady, meaning mechanical wear on suspension, driveline, and engine internal components will be proportionate to that mileage rather than artificially low. For a Yeti of this age and mile band, buyers should expect normal wear-related advisories on rubber components, exhaust mounting, and trim fixings, all of which align with what the MOT history reflects. A prospective buyer should focus inspection efforts on the areas historically flagged. The nearside rear brake pads were reported as wearing thin in late 2024, so check for any remaining service life and inspect the rear calipers for binding or sticking, which is common on older Yetis and can cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. Both rear tyres were also flagged for cracking or perishing at the same test, which can occur from age-related rubber degradation even if tread depth remains adequate, so confirm replacement with fresh stock and verify sidewalls for hairline cracks. The reported oil leak, though not excessive, warrants a thorough under-bonnet inspection for the source, paying particular attention to the camchain tensioner area, sump gasket, and rocker cover gasket, all known leak points on the 1.2 TSI and 1.8 TSI engines commonly fitted to this model. On a test drive, listen for any untoward engine rattles on cold start that could indicate camchain stretch, and watch for any increase in oil residue on the underside or drive since the 2024 advisory. With the rear tyres being a known wear item on this vehicle, monitor for any steering wander or inconsistent grip in the wet, which may indicate ageing rubber compounds even on nominally new tyres. Given the mileage, listen for suspension knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly from the rear anti-roll bar bushes and trailing arm bushes, which are recurring advisory candidates on higher‑mileage Yetis. Finally, inspect the underside for any corrosion on subframe, brake lines, and exhaust mounting points, as these are structural integrity concerns that have not yet surfaced in the MOT record but are worth proactive checking given the age.