2017 Skoda Rapid diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Skoda Rapid diesel?

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

• Shock absorbers5× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  15% All 2017 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 2017 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 joints3.5× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  12.9% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, 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.

• Engine oil leaks4.2× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  5.9% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2017 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.

• Number plates2.3× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  3.5% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Headlight aim2.1× usual
  Skoda Rapid

  3.7% All 2017 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.8% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2017 Skoda Rapid diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Suspension
  30% 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
  24% 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
  12% 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
  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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 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 5× as often on the 2017 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2017 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2017 Skoda Rapid diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?