I have a Skoda Yeti on a lease - should buy it at the end of the lease period?

I have a 2017 Skoda Yeti 1.2 petrol auto on a four-year lease. I'm 76 years old, retired and active. I do about 8000 miles per year, mostly on country roads. Most of my driving is with my wife and/or collie dog. I have been pleased with the Yeti and like the higher driving position and it being an automatic. At the end of the lease, I can probably buy the car via a friend or relative. I'm in a quandary as to whether to buy it or go for another lease car. I have looked at similar cars (Skoda Kamiq. Skoda Karoq, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Soul, Kia Sportage etc), but to get one with similar specs as the Yeti takes the price above my budget. I've also read on your website that the Yeti has dropped from your recommended options because of 'reliability issues' and I would like to know what they are.

Asked on 14 June 2020 by archerywidower

Answered by Dan Powell
Most of the issues are linked to early versions of the 1.2 TSI engine, which used a timing chain. Skoda redesigned the engine in 2015 and replaced the chain with a cam belt (which is what your car uses). The DSG gearbox should be okay, as long as the gearbox oil and micro-filter is changed every four years or 40,000 miles (whichever comes first). I would make the oil change a condition of buying the car from the lease company, should you choose to keep it.
Similar questions
I have had a Mondeo Zetec Estate 2.0 for three years. It's done 90,000 miles and is never any trouble. The lease is up soon and my employer/lease firm has stopped us having Fords - shame. We have the choice...
My present Motability car is a Skoda Yeti 1.2 DSG. It's time to replace this car and I want my next car to have a torque converter transmission. I have shortlisted the Peugeot 3008 SUV Allure 1.2 PureTech...
I took out a contract lease on a new Ford Ranger. The vehicle broke down on delivery due to a variety of warning lights on the dash and was taken back to ford, in November 2016, since then I have personally...
Related models
Unique styling. Solid build. Excellent petrol engines including frugal yet peppy 1.2 TSI. Good space in the back. Frugal 1.6 TDI Greenline can return 60mpg+.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer