2004 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · KE04 AEC

The most recent MOT on 25 February 2022 was recorded as a pass, following a failure recorded the previous day. No specific defects were logged on either entry, which suggests the failure was likely administrative rather than mechanical. With a clean pass after the brief failure, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than deteriorating, indicating that any issues that may have prompted the earlier failure have been resolved or were not substantive. At 140,257 miles the Fabia has averaged roughly 6,400 miles per annum over its 22‑year life, a usage pattern that sits comfortably within the normal range for a small family hatchback. There are no obvious gaps in the mileage record that would imply prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is consistent with a vehicle that has seen regular, moderate use rather than extreme short‑term mileage spikes. For a car of this age and mileage the buyer should focus on age‑related deterioration as well as mileage‑related wear. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or any indication of perishing, and verify that the tread depth meets the legal minimum; tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement even if the tread appears adequate. Examine the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and assess the battery’s cranking performance, as batteries over 4‑5 years often lose capacity. Check the under‑carriage and wheel arches for rust, especially around the suspension mounting points, and look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis that could affect structural integrity. A thorough mechanical appraisal should include a test‑drive to listen for clunking or excessive play in the front and rear suspension bushes, worn coil springs or deteriorated anti‑roll bar links. Observe the brake pedal for any sponginess, pulsation or pulling to one side, which could indicate warped discs, worn pads or binding calipers; visual inspection of the discs for surface scoring and the pads for thickness is advisable. Verify that all fluid levels are correct and that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals, as time‑based degradation can occur even on low‑use vehicles. Finally, request any service book stamps or receipts to confirm that routine maintenance such as timing belt replacement (if applicable) and emission system checks have been performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s schedule.