2008 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · AA08 DZM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass on January 13, 2026, at 74,497 miles, but the maintenance trend shows a recent decline in standards evidenced by a significant failure just eight days prior. In that failure, the tester identified excessive wear on both the offside and nearside front lower suspension arm bushes, along with perished front tyres and a failed position lamp. While these immediate issues were rectified to secure the pass, the recurring nature of suspension faults suggests a reactive approach to maintenance rather than preventative care. The mileage profile is notably low for an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,139 miles per year. Between November 2024 at 71,696 miles and January 2026 at 74,497 miles, the car covered only 2,801 miles. This low rate of use often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components due to age rather than friction, which aligns with the perishing tyres and the deterioration of the suspension arm bushes noted in the early 2026 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the inner arm bushes were flagged as worn in 2022 and progressed to an outright failure by 2026. The record also notes corroded suspension components from 2024 and a corroding exhaust system from 2022, necessitating a close look for structural integrity on the exhaust hangers and rust mounting points. Additionally, the low mileage and age suggest that all rubber components should be checked for dry rot and sidew cracking, as the previous failure confirms the front tyres are reaching the end of their functional life.