2016 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · AF16 XDW

The 2016 Skoda Fabia presents a stable and broadly positive roadworthiness profile, culminating in a clean pass on 5 December 2025 at 57,725 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean result followed a failure the previous day for a deteriorated rear number plate and a structurally compromised nearside rear tyre exhibiting inner sidewall bulge and separation. The tyre defect is a serious safety-critical failure indicating impact damage or age-related carcass breakdown, and its immediate rectification before the retest suggests the previous owner addressed the issue promptly rather than deferring it. A separate advisory for a deteriorated rear plate appeared again in April 2023 at 45,054 miles, indicating this minor cosmetic item has been a recurring low-priority concern across multiple tests rather than a one-off. Overall, the maintenance trend is stable and improving, with the most recent test showing no outstanding defects. The recorded mileage progression tells a consistent story of light use. The vehicle accumulated 45,054 miles by April 2023, 50,280 by April 2024, and 55,317 by April 2025, representing roughly 5,000 miles per year across each annual interval. The final jump from 55,317 to 57,725 miles between April and December 2025 adds just 2,408 miles over eight months, confirming the car has remained in light, regular use rather than sitting idle. There are no suspicious mileage gaps or reversals in the record, and the annual test intervals are evenly spaced, which supports the conclusion that this vehicle has been in steady ownership with predictable usage patterns. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the nearside rear tyre and the general condition of all four tyres, given the documented structural failure on the inner sidewall. Tyre age, sidewall integrity, and alignment should be checked carefully, as a bulge of this nature often points to kerb impact that may also have disturbed wheel geometry. The repeated rear plate deterioration is minor but worth verifying has been properly replaced. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion is advisable on a vehicle of this age, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake lines, as low-mileage vehicles that stand for extended periods can develop surface corrosion that higher-mileage, regularly driven cars sometimes avoid. Brake condition, suspension bushes, and exhaust integrity should all be assessed in person, as the clean MOT record provides reassurance but does not substitute for a hands-on evaluation.