Is the Skoda Yeti a Good Choice of Used Car?
First launched in 2009 during a time when there were already a lot of compact SUVs on the market, the Skoda Yeti wasn’t exactly seen as cutting edge. Over the years however, it has managed to ruffle the feathers of quite a few manufacturers.
With a common-sense design, proven technology and an attractive price tag (prices usually start from £8,000), the Yeti package isn’t exactly imaginative, but it’s one that has a well-earned reputation for reliability and competence.
Voted car of the year in 2010, the Yeti won industry plaudits for its impressive towing abilities and off-road prowess. As the Yeti continues to impress today, here’s our guide to securing yourself a good secondhand Skoda Yeti.
Things to Look for When Buying a Used Skoda Yeti
Both petrol and diesel engines can have a high consumption of oil, so it’s important that you check the fluid levels when you test drive your potential new Yeti. If the levels are low then the car has most likely been driven for a long period without a sufficient amount of oil in the engine, which results in excessive engine wear and thus you should walk away.
There have been a few owners complain about the paint job of used Yetis, so checking the car in good light is a necessity – a good tip for doing this (if you can) is taking it to a fuel station forecourt as the car will look particularly shiny there so any imperfections are more likely to show up.
Another important point not to forget is that if the Yeti you’re looking at is four-wheel-drive, then you must be sure to check for any damage to the under-tray as damage is likely to have occurred on an off-road excursion.
What Are My Options and Which Model Should I Buy?
If you’re only making short journeys around town then you’re most likely best suited to the 1.2-litre TSI option. Like with most small engines these days it’s more than up to the job and can cope with the odd longer journey thanks to its turbo. This option isn’t available in four-wheel-drive but if you’re only making short trips then you won’t need it.
If you’re buying a Yeti to transport your family or other passengers then the 2.0-litre TDI is your best option. With 108bhp the 2.0-litre TDI doesn’t have much more power than the 1.2 petrol, however it is has a lot more torque for a relaxed drive under heavier loads. One thing to note is that the diesel engine is fairly loud at almost all speeds apart from when it’s settled down in sixth-gear.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a few luxuries like air-conditioning, electric windows and alloy wheels then go for the S or SE model. These are much better spec’d so if you can afford it then by all means we recommend going for it.
Should You Buy a Skoda Yeti
The Yeti’s success in driver satisfaction surveys over the years speaks for itself. Having finished in the top two for five years running and winning it three times between 2012 and 2014 it’s clear that it’s a revered compact SUV that you certainly consider adding to your ranks.
If you’d like to find out more information about buying a used Skoda Yeti then click here to use our online contact form and we will have a member of our team contact you.
