2013 Skoda Yeti 2.0L Diesel · VA13 BVB

The most recent MOT, carried out on 20 March 2026, was passed, the only notes being that child seats fitted at the nearside and off‑side rear positions prevented a full visual check of the adult seat‑belts. Earlier in the series, the 13 March 2025 test recorded a failure because the off‑side front coil spring was fractured and the rear brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted or scored. Those serious items appear to have been remedied, as the subsequent 29 February 2024 test passed with no mechanical failures, only the recurring child‑seat advisory. Overall the maintenance trend shows a clear improvement after the 2025 failure, with the vehicle now meeting the minimum safety standards, though the repeat advisory on the rear brake discs suggests the wear pattern has persisted. At 60 992 miles on a 2013 model, the car averages roughly 4 700 miles per year, which is well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles annually. Such low mileage often indicates periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be a double‑edged sword: while wear on high‑stress components such as the clutch, gearbox and suspension may be reduced, age‑related degradation – for example rubber hardening, corrosion and fluid breakdown – can become more pronounced. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would point to a period of heavy use, so the primary concerns centre on calendar‑based ageing rather than mileage‑driven fatigue. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the rear brake discs and the front suspension. Even though the MOT examiner noted the discs were not “seriously weakened,” pitting and scoring can lead to reduced braking efficiency, especially under repeated heavy braking or when the pads become glazed. On a test drive listen for any pulsation, shudder or increased pedal travel when applying the brakes, and feel for uneven pad wear or a high‑pitched squeal that may indicate the discs are approaching the end of their service life. The front coil spring that failed in 2025 should be checked for any signs of fatigue or cracking; a broken spring often manifests as a noticeable sag on the affected corner, a clunking noise over bumps, or uneven tyre wear. Also examine the anti‑roll bar linkage and its dust cover – severe deterioration can allow dirt ingress, accelerating bush wear and leading to noisy handling or reduced roll stability. Given the vehicle’s age, verify the condition of the tyres, especially the sidewalls, for any cracking, dry rot or loss of pliability that can occur even on low‑mileage tyres that have sat for years. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation or reduced cranking power; a load test or a check of the electrolyte level (if applicable) will reveal whether it needs replacement. Look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, which can be exacerbated by prolonged standing. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage, and fresh fluids are essential for protecting wear surfaces and maintaining optimal performance.