2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · WV14 AAU

A recurring minor oil leak has been the most persistent mechanical theme in this Fabia's recent MOT history, flagged as a non-excessive advisory at the two most recent tests in January 2025 and January 2026, while the 2024 and 2022 tests were returned with no advisories at all. The 2026 pass also noted that the headlight internal adjuster had been altered and required rechecking, an item worth verifying on inspection, alongside a minor advisory regarding items removed from the driver's view in 2025. There are no recorded failures in the five-test sequence shown, and no advisories relating to corrosion, brake lines, suspension components, or structural integrity, which keeps the overall pattern on the benign side of the advisory spectrum. Nonetheless, the oil seepage is the one trend a buyer should monitor, as a leak classed as not excessive at one test can progress between annual examinations. With five recorded MOT tests spanning 2022 through 2026 and a current odometer reading of 67,173 miles against a 2014 registration, the vehicle has averaged roughly 5,600 miles per year over its documented testing life, a notably low annual accumulation for a twelve-year-old supermini. The mileage progression between tests, from 2022 through to 2026, is broadly linear without any sudden spikes or implausible gaps, suggesting steady rather than erratic use. Low annual mileage of this kind typically results in less wear on high-cycle consumables such as brake discs and friction material, but it can also bring its own concerns, including prolonged standing periods that affect ageing of rubber components and seals. The oil leak advisories may be partly consistent with a vehicle that has seen gentler duty cycles, as seals and gaskets degrade with age as much as with mileage. For a prospective buyer, the principal items to examine on inspection are those directly referenced in the advisories. With the persistent engine oil leak note, it is worth looking under the bonnet for fresh seepage around the camshaft cover gasket, sump, and oil filter housing, checking the underside of the engine for wet residue or staining, and inspecting the exhaust downpipe for signs of oil misting that would indicate an active rather than historical leak. The oil level on the dipstick should be checked with the engine warm and on level ground, and the coolant and power steering reservoirs examined for cross-contamination. On a test drive, listen for any timing chain rattle from a cold start, which on the later 1.2 petrol units fitted to the Fabia can point to chain stretch, and watch the oil pressure warning light for prompt extinguishment on ignition. The 2023 advisories for nearside and offside front tyre perishing are also worth bearing in mind, particularly given the vehicle's low usage profile, as tyres fitted to a low-mileage car can age through environmental exposure even when tread remains adequate. On inspection, check the sidewalls of all four tyres for cracking, checking for brittleness and visible weathering, and confirm that the production date stamps are within a reasonable age window for the mileage covered. The altered headlight adjuster noted at the 2026 test should be verified by switching on the lights at night or in a dim garage to confirm beam alignment is correct and that both dipped and main beam functions are operating cleanly. Finally, given the car's age, a general check of the underbody for any surface corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe runs, would be prudent, as the MOT record does not flag these areas but they remain common wear points on a vehicle of this vintage.