2013 Skoda Roomster diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Skoda Roomster diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Skoda Roomster diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  25.6% All 2013 cars

  13.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.1% of all 2013 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.

• Steering rack inner joints5.9× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  10.7% All 2013 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2013 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  15.1% All 2013 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.7% of all 2013 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.

• Individual direction indicators4.3× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  7.3% All 2013 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Skoda Roomster

  10.8% All 2013 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.7% of all 2013 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.

Common 2013 Skoda Roomster diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Skoda Roomster diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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
  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.

• Suspension
  28% 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
  25% 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
  12% 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
  7% 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 2013 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 1.9× as often on the 2013 Skoda Roomster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2013 Skoda Roomster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2013 Skoda Roomster diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?