2016 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · OE16 AAO

The latest MOT test conducted on 19 June 2025 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded. Reviewing the history back to 2022, the vehicle demonstrates an exceptionally stable maintenance trend. While there is a recorded failure and subsequent pass on the same day in August 2024, the absence of listed defects suggests this was likely a clerical error or a minor administrative issue rather than a mechanical failure. The consistent lack of advisories over several years indicates a vehicle that has been maintained to a high standard of roadworthiness. The recorded mileage of 53,765 miles is notably low for a ten year old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,376 miles per year. While this suggests minimal wear on the primary drivetrain and engine internals, such a low usage profile often implies the car has been used for short urban trips or has spent extended periods stationary. This type of usage can be more detrimental to certain components than consistent motorway mileage, as it may lead to increased carbon deposits in the engine and a lack of heat cycles necessary to keep braking and suspension components lubricated and free from corrosion. Because the MOT record is clean and mileage is low, the prospective buyer should focus on age-related degradation rather than wear-and-tear. It is essential to inspect the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or hairline cracking, as tyres often reach their age limit before the tread is depleted. During the test drive, feel for any brake shudder or listen for grinding noises, which could indicate binding calipers or pitted brake discs resulting from the vehicle standing for long periods. Check for any unevenness in the ride or clunks over bumps, which may point to suspension bushes that have hardened or split due to age. Further attention must be paid to the service history to verify that oil and filter changes have been carried out according to calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, as engine oil degrades over time regardless of use. The health of the 12V battery should be verified, as low-usage vehicles are susceptible to voltage drops and premature battery failure. Finally, check the coolant and brake fluid for contamination or degradation, as these fluids are hygroscopic and require periodic replacement to prevent internal corrosion within the braking and cooling systems.