2014 Skoda Rapid diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Skoda Rapid diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Skoda Rapid diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Shock absorbers3.7× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  18.9% All 2014 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  22.8% All 2014 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

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

  14.8% All 2014 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.5% of all 2014 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 performance1.9× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  7.3% All 2014 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.4% of all 2014 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.

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

  5.3% All 2014 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.3% of all 2014 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.

Common 2014 Skoda Rapid diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Skoda Rapid diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  17% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  5% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Skoda Rapid 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2014 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2014 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2014 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?