2016 Skoda Rapid 1.4L Diesel · YL16 EYX

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. The most recent test on January 8, 2026 at 86,083 miles resulted in a failure due to a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, which was rectified to allow passing. This follows a more significant failure in January 2025 where multiple mechanical and wear items were identified simultaneously, suggesting the owner often only addresses faults when forced by the MOT testing process. The mileage progression is consistent with a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,600 miles per annum. There is a steady climb from 48,932 miles in early 2019 to the current 86,083 miles in 2026, with annual intervals of roughly 4,000 to 5,000 miles between tests. This low-mileage profile generally suggests less strain on the drivetrain, though the record indicates that rubber-based components and braking hardware are showing signs of age despite the low distance travelled. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the January 2025 test flagged an worn offside front Macpherson strut top bush and an excessively worn rear arm bush. These issues can lead to poor handling and uneven tyre wear if not fully replaced. The offside rear brake binding noted in the same period requires a physical check to ensure the caliper is not seizing, which would lead to premature pad wear and disc overheating. The history also highlights recurring issues with tyre management, evidenced by a run-flat tyre in 2021 and both front tyres reaching the legal limit in 2025. The buyer should verify the current tread depths and check alignment across all wheels to ensure the previous suspension faults were properly resolved. Given the recent failure of the tyre pressure monitoring system, the electronic sensors should be verified as functional to ensure the repair was permanent and not a temporary fix.