2015 Skoda Rapid diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Skoda Rapid diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Skoda Rapid diesel than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Shock absorbers4.2× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  19% All 2015 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2015 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.4× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  14% All 2015 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.1% of all 2015 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× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  6% All 2015 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.1% of all 2015 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  5.3% All 2015 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  4.5% All 2015 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.6% of all 2015 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.

Common 2015 Skoda Rapid diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Skoda Rapid diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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
  14% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 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 4.2× as often on the 2015 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2015 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2015 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?