Used car guide

1998 Skoda Felicia: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Skoda Felicias, from 155 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 155 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

155MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 1998 cars: 66%)
2,500typical miles a year
42%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1998 Skoda Felicia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    42% 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
    40% 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
    33% 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
    26% 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.

  • Tyres
    21% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Skoda Felicia?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2000261Brakes 49%
1999250Brakes 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Skoda Felicias registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score