2005 SKODA FABIA1.2L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of neglecting recurring front suspension faults. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 69,906 miles passed, it noted a new minor exhaust gas leak and continued play in the offside front track rod end ball joint. This track rod end has appeared as an advisory or failure in every single test back to 2022, indicating that the previous owner only addressed the minimum repairs necessary to pass the MOT rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance on the steering geometry. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 21-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,300 miles per year. The data shows significant gaps between tests, such as the only 735 miles driven between September 2024 and August 2025, and 785 miles in the year leading up to the previous failure. This low usage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and the onset of environmental corrosion. The presence of corrosion on the front suspension arms and brake hoses noted in earlier tests suggests the car may have sat in an environment where moisture could accelerate surface oxidation. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering assembly. The recurring track rod end issue and the fractured coil spring recorded in 2024 indicate that these components are reaching the end of their service life. The 2024 failure regarding the nearside seat belt anchorage is a serious structural concern; although it passed since, the integrity of that specific mounting point should be visually checked for hidden rust. Additionally, the minor exhaust leak identified in 2025 requires investigation to ensure it is not a symptom of a larger structural failure in the manifold or exhaust system.