2011 Skoda Roomster diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Skoda Roomster diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Skoda Roomster diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  24.2% All 2011 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2011 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 joints1.8× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  17.5% All 2011 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.7× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  8.2% All 2011 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2011 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.

• Individual direction indicators2.4× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  7.2% All 2011 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  9.6% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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.

Common 2011 Skoda Roomster diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Skoda Roomster diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  34% 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
  34% 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
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Steering
  10% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% 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 2011 Skoda Roomster 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2011 Skoda Roomster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2011 Skoda Roomster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2011 Skoda Roomster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?