2014 Skoda Rapid 1.6L Diesel · SW63 OSC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred repairs regarding suspension and braking components. While the most recent test in November 2025 at 100,315 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a significant failure just nine days prior. This failure highlighted critical issues such as a fractured nearside front coil spring and an excessively worn offside rear suspension arm ball joint. This suggests the owner only addresses mechanical faults once they trigger an MOT failure, rather than performing preventative maintenance. The recorded mileage of 100,315 miles over 12 years reflects a consistent average usage pattern of approximately 8,360 miles per annum. There was a notable spike in usage between October 2023 at 71,577 miles and October 2024 at 85,908 miles, where the vehicle covered over 14,000 miles in a single year. This period of higher intensity correlates with the increased wear noted on the braking system and rubber-based suspension components seen in the subsequent test results. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension, as the record shows recurring issues with ball joints and coil springs. The tester previously identified play in the steering rack inner joints in 2023, which remains unaddressed in later entries and could affect steering precision. Furthermore, the braking system shows a persistent history of pitted and scored discs across multiple axles over several years, indicating that brake components are frequently run to their absolute functional limit. Structural attention is also required regarding the chassis. The October 2024 test flagged structural corrosion within 30cm of a mounting point. Although this did not cause a failure at the time, the presence of rust on a vehicle of this age requires close monitoring for progression. The buyer should also verify the condition of the tyres, as the 2025 record noted perishing and uneven wear on the rear axle, which often indicates alignment issues or worn shocks.