2017 Skoda Citigo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Skoda Citigo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Skoda Citigo than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Skoda Citigo

  7.6% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Skoda Citigo

  4.4% All 2017 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.5% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Headlights2.2× usual
  Skoda Citigo

  2.6% All 2017 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2017 Skoda Citigo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Skoda Citigo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  17% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  10% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  9% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Skoda Citigo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2017 Skoda Citigo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2017 Skoda Citigo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2017 Skoda Citigo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?