1999 Skoda Felicia petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  18.2% All 1999 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Flexible brake hoses2.3× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  14% All 1999 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Wheel bearings2.3× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  12.8% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  11.6% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes12.2× usual
  Skoda Felicia

  6.1% All 1999 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

Common 1999 Skoda Felicia petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  44% 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
  35% 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
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Tyres
  23% 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
  22% 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 petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Skoda Felicia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1999 Skoda Felicia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1999 Skoda Felicia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?