Used Škoda Yeti

What to know before buying: Škoda Yeti

From 7 video reviews · updated 26/09/2026

What the reviews say

• Wide-opening doors and sliding, folding or fully removable rear seats make the Yeti especially practical for passengers, child seats and bulky loads.[1][2][4][6]First generation
• Despite its tall, boxy body, the Yeti controls body roll well, steers accurately and rides comfortably.[1][3][4]First generation
• The raised seating position, large windows and broad windscreen provide good visibility and easy access.[1][3]First generation
• The cabin is logically arranged and durable: even an older car can remain solid and rattle-free, although the infotainment feels dated.[2][3][4]First generation
• The boxy body generates noticeable wind noise at motorway speeds.[3][4]First generation

Typical faults

• The body, especially on pre-2013 cars, can suffer peeling paint and corrosion around handles, door bottoms, rear arches, seals and behind the bumpers.[6][7]First generation

  2009–2013

• Early 1.2 TSI engines can stretch their timing chain; a diesel-like rattle after startup is a warning. Early cars could suffer around 50,000 km, while the risk fell after 2011.[5][7]First generation

  50 000–120 000 km · 2009–2011 · 1.2 TSI

• The 1.8 TSI is known for heavy oil consumption caused by its pistons and oil-control rings; sources also report timing-chain tensioner and crankcase-ventilation faults.[2][5][6][7]First generation

  1.8 TSI

• The seven-speed dry-clutch DSG can jerk, vibrate and grind in second gear; one source reports that expensive repairs may be needed at just 30,000–40,000 km.[5]one sourceFirst generation

  30 000–40 000 km

• Wires can break inside the door and tailgate gaiters, disabling locks, windows and other electrics; microswitches inside the door locks can also fail.[6][7]First generation

Which engine and version to take

• The 1.6 MPI is the simplest petrol choice: sources describe it as reliable and familiar to workshops, though performance is modest and some oil consumption is possible.[5][7]First generation
• The 2.0 TDI suits the Yeti well, offering strong torque and economy for long trips or towing; its injector seals should be checked.[3][4][5]First generation

What to avoid

• Choose a 1.8 TSI only after thorough diagnosis and with documented servicing: excessive oil use can progress to compression loss and major engine work.[2][6][7]First generation
• The riskiest budget combination is an early 1.2 TSI with the seven-speed dry DSG: the engine can suffer chain and turbo faults, while the gearbox may jerk and need early repair.[5][7]First generation

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect closely for bubbling paint and rust around door handles, beneath trims and seals, along door bottoms, rear arches, sills, roof rails and behind the bumpers.[6][7]First generation
• Start a 1.2 TSI from cold and listen for a diesel-like chain rattle; on an early car, establish whether the revised timing components were fitted.[5][7]First generation
• On a 1.8 TSI, verify the oil level, service history and actual consumption; the source owner's car progressed from heavy oil use to compression loss and engine failure.[2][6]First generation
• During the test drive, check the DSG when pulling away and in second gear for jerking, vibration or grinding. Knocking at idle can indicate a worn dual-mass flywheel.[5][7]First generation
• Test every door, lock, window, mirror, the luggage light and rear wiper: failures can result from broken wires in the gaiters or a faulty lock microswitch.[6][7]First generation
• Check the air conditioning and front suspension: one owner's car suffered a split A/C pipe, a failed anti-roll-bar link and a broken front spring.[2]one sourceFirst generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Car and Driving - Car Reviews — Skoda Yeti 2013-2017 | EVERYTHING you need to know. · ▶ video
2. [2]CarGurus UK — Why I Bought a Skoda Yeti: A bike-carrying family car, but not without its problems... · ▶ video
3. [3]High Peak Autos — Should You Buy a SKODA YETI? (Test Drive & Review) · ▶ video
4. [4]CarGurus UK — Used Car Review: Skoda Yeti · ▶ video
5. [5]Motorro — Стоит ли покупать Skoda Yeti (2009-2018)? · ▶ video
6. [6]АвтоСтронг — 😊 Со Skoda Yeti никакой Volkswagen не нужен? Оправдывает ли ожидания этот кроссовер? · ▶ video
7. [7]АВТО ПЛЮС — Экономим 100 тысяч при покупке кроссовера Skoda Yeti | Подержанные автомобили · ▶ video

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