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Skoda Yeti (2009–2017) buying guide

The Yeti, sold from 2009 to 2017 with TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines in front or four-wheel drive, facelifted in January 2014 into Yeti and Yeti Outdoor versions. It is a well-liked, practical car, and the checks centre on a few engine and gearbox items.

The versions

  • 1.2 TSI petrol: 105PS, front-wheel drive; 1.4 TSI petrol, front-wheel drive; 1.8 TSI petrol: 160PS, four-wheel drive
  • 2.0 TDI diesel: 110PS (front or four-wheel drive), 140PS and 170PS (four-wheel drive)
  • 1.6 TDI GreenLine diesel: 105PS
  • Manual or DSG automatic
  • Yeti and Yeti Outdoor from the January 2014 facelift

What to check on a Yeti

3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.

  1. Timing chain on an early 1.2 TSI

    What to look for: On an earlier 1.2 TSI petrol, start the engine from cold with the bonnet open and listen for a rattle from the timing chain area in the first few seconds. Ask whether the chain has been replaced.

    Why it matters: The timing chain on earlier 1.2 TSI engines can jump, which leads to serious engine damage. Paperwork showing the chain has been checked or replaced is reassuring.

  2. Diesel oil level and the DPF

    What to look for: On a diesel, check the dipstick on level ground. Oil below the minimum or above the maximum is a warning sign. Ask how the car has been used, and watch for warning lights on the drive.

    Why it matters: Every diesel Yeti has a particulate filter, which can clog without regular longer, faster drives. Repeated regenerations can put fuel into the sump and raise the oil level, while running low on oil causes excess wear. Turbo failures have been linked to infrequent servicing or the wrong oil.

  3. DSG gearshifts

    What to look for: On a DSG automatic, pull away gently and briskly, creep in traffic and reverse. Note any jerky or delayed shifts, or grinding or crunching when selecting gears. Look for gearbox oil change receipts.

    Why it matters: Those are the signs of DSG gearbox trouble, and the DSG has a weaker reliability record than the manual. A history of gearbox oil changes is reassuring.

Also in the full guide

  • Cambelt, four-wheel-drive oil and the underside
  • The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing

The full guide to the Yeti

The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.

£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.

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General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Skoda.