Skoda Scala (2023)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 117 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,630
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £1,630/year to run. 14 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Skoda brand average of 88%.
96% of MOT tests on Skoda Scalas from 2023 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about a year old. That's based on 117 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 24,885 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
24,885
Average miles
7,400
Expected for age
The average 2023 Skoda Scala had 24,885 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 7,400 miles for a 1-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2019 model has the lowest at 91%. The 2023 scores 96%, but cars from 2023 weren't due their first routine MOT until 2026, so its figure isn't compared here. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Skoda Scala by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2023 Skoda Scala
The 2023 Skoda Scala is a city car. Our records list a 999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 117 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2023, the average MOT pass rate is 95%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 24,885 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Skoda Scala owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2023 Skoda Scala Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2023 Skoda Scala?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,630 (£136/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Skoda Scala Reliability Trend
The Skoda Scala has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 2023 Skoda Scala
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Coil Pack Failure
Low riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2023 Skoda Scala stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skoda Scala(2023) | 96% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630 |
| MINI Cooper(2021) | 94% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853+£223 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2021) | 94% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £1,853+£223 |
| Audi Q2(2021) | 95% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630same |
| Toyota Aygo(2021) | 95% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 1-8 | £1,630same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2023 Skoda Scala
Is the 2023 Skoda Scala reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 96% of MOT tests on 2023 Skoda Scalas ended in a pass, from 117 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2023 Skoda Scala cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,630 a year (£136 a month): £1,175 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2023 Skoda Scala?
96% of 117 MOT tests on the 2023 Skoda Scala ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 78th of 165 models first registered in 2023 (top half).
Which year Skoda Scala has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Skoda Scala has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2019 the lowest at 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2023 Skoda Scala?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2023 Skoda Scala is 24,885 miles, which is well above the expected 7,400 miles for a 1-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Related Skoda Models
Explore other Skoda cars or similar models in the same category.
Skoda Octavia
2016 · 1598cc Diesel
Skoda Fabia
2016 · 1197cc Petrol
Skoda Karoq
2019 · 999cc Petrol
MINI Cooper
2021 · 1499cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2021 · 1332cc Petrol
Audi Q2
2021 · 999cc Petrol
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