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What to check: Skoda Scala

BBy miles

Ranked across all years of the Skoda Scala, from its own MOT record and from what owners report. Tick it off at the car.

From this model's MOT record

The physical checks its own defect data says are worth your time, most telling first.

Rubber boots and gaitersRuns high on this modelOn full steering lock, look in behind each front wheel at the concertina rubber boots on the driveshafts and steering rack. Splits, or grease flung around the arch, mean dirt is getting into a joint that costs far more than the boot protecting it.Recorded on 4.8% of tests at age 3-5 · class average 0.2%

Bushes and ball jointsDrive slowly over broken tarmac with the windows down and listen for clonks from either end. Back at the car, have someone rock the steering wheel while you rest a hand on each front wheel; play you can feel through the tyre is a worn joint.Recorded on 2.5% of tests at age 3-5 · class average 2.4%

A binding brakeAfter the test drive, hold the back of your hand near each wheel hub. One wheel running much hotter than the rest is a sticking caliper. A car that slows itself down when you lift off on a flat road is saying the same thing.Recorded on 0.8% of tests at age 3-5 · class average 0.1%

Worth doing on any used car

These judge the seller's upkeep rather than the model.

Tyres, all fourRuns high on this modelCheck the tread across the full width of each tyre, inner edge included, and look for cracking and mismatched brands. A set of decent tyres is £500 or more on most cars, which makes this the easiest money to take off a price. If the pressure warning light is on, budget for sensors too.Recorded on 24.2% of tests at age 3-5 · class average 10.3%

Pads and discsRuns high on this modelLook through the wheel spokes at the brake disc. A pronounced lip on its outer edge, or a rusty and scored face, means discs and pads are due all round, a few hundred pounds on most cars. A haggling point rather than a reason to walk away.Recorded on 17.0% of tests at age 3-5 · class average 7.0%

Windscreen and wipersScan the glass in daylight for chips, especially in the driver's line of sight where even a small one can fail the MOT. Run the washers and check the wipers clear without smearing.Recorded on 1.5% of tests at age 3-5 · class average 1.4%

Because of what owners report

Drawn from the owner reports rather than the MOT data. These are the model-specific ones.

Check the dash for an SOS or eCall warning light or message during the test drive.If it's lit, the emergency call system isn't working and needs a dealer reset or new module.

Pull away gently from a stop with a hand resting lightly on the steering wheel.A noticeable buzz or vibration, especially on 1.0 TSI cars, is a known if minor complaint.

Try the infotainment screen, especially on a base S-trim car.A tiny 6.5-inch screen with no navigation means the car will feel behind on tech versus rivals.

If it's a 1.6 TDI diesel, ask for cambelt service history and the mileage it was last done.No record of a change near 100k or beyond means an expensive job, or engine damage, could be coming.

On a diesel, check for a DPF or EGR warning light and ask how the car has been used.Diesels used mostly for short runs are far more likely to have a clogged DPF or EGR valve.

Read the full MOT history, not just the pass or fail.Steering is the pattern fault for this class, so repeated steering advisories are worth a proper look underneath.

Don't assume the badge guarantees trouble-free ownership.Skoda's mid-table Driver Power ranking means it's solid, not flawless.

Full Skoda Scala reliability report