1999 Skoda Felicia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Wheel bearings3.6× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  20.3% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  30.4% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  14.7% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  17.5% All 1999 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 4.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  46% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  21% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1999 Skoda Felicia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?