2016 Skoda Yeti 2.0L Diesel · PL66 RLX

The mechanical story of this 2016 Skoda Yeti is one of consistent roadworthiness across its testing history, with a clean bill of health on every annual inspection. The most recent MOT on 22 December 2025 recorded a straightforward pass with no advisories or defects, continuing an unbroken sequence of passes stretching back to at least December 2022. A minor administrative note is the brief failed test on 18 December 2025 just four days before the subsequent pass; given that no defects were recorded against it, this was almost certainly a tester-initiated refusal or a presentation issue rather than a mechanical failure. With no advisories logged across five consecutive tests, the DVSA record does not flag any chronic wear items, emerging corrosion, or developing component concerns at this stage. Recorded mileage stands at 58,251 miles over an approximate ten-year span, which equates to an annual accumulation of around 5,825 miles per year. This is notably low for a vehicle of this age and points to either genuinely light usage, a period of sporadic motoring, or extended standing time. For a Yeti, such restrained use is mechanically significant because the TSI and TDI engines in this generation, along with their associated emissions control systems including the diesel particulate filter on TDI variants, are designed to be worked regularly. Low-mileage examples frequently present with issues such as oil seals drying out, perished vacuum lines, sticking turbo vanes, and DPF concerns on diesel derivatives. The under-use of suspension components can also accelerate ageing of bushes and damping fluid, while brake discs and pads are prone to corrosion pitting and bind when a car spends long intervals stationary. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there are no specific flagged components to target, but the low-mileage profile warrants a more thorough hands-on inspection than the MOT history alone might suggest. On a test drive, pay close attention to the engine for any rough idle, hesitant throttle response, or excessive diesel knock on cold start, and check for blue smoke from the exhaust which would indicate oil consumption or turbo seal wear. Listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and the rear torsion beam bushes, all of which can deteriorate with age even at modest mileages. Apply the brakes firmly from speed to check for any judder suggesting corroded or warped discs, and verify the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline. Beneath the vehicle, inspect the subframe mounting areas, suspension arms, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion, and on a cold engine check for oil seepage from the cam chain cover, sump, and turbo oil lines if fitted, as these are common areas on the Yeti platform. Finally, confirm the service history documentation and verify whether the timing belt or cam belt has been replaced at the manufacturer-recommended interval, typically every four to five years regardless of mileage, as age-related belt failure on this generation of Skoda engine can be catastrophic. Check the condition of the coolant and inspect for any signs of mixing or staining around the expansion tank, as water pump and thermostat housing failures are not uncommon on higher-mileage Yetis. Confirm that the vehicle has been started and driven regularly even during any periods of low annual mileage, and ask for evidence of recent oil changes, as long intervals between services can allow moisture and fuel dilution to accumulate in the lubricant. With clean MOT paperwork and modest mileage, this Yeti presents well on paper, but the low annual figure means a careful physical inspection and a compression or cylinder contribution test on the engine are well worthwhile before purchase.