2023 Skoda Fabia SE Comfort TSI 1.0L Petrol · AF23 YKX

A defining theme in this Fabia's short MOT history is premature front tyre wear, culminating in a Dangerous failure recorded on 18 August 2026 when the nearside front tyre was found with tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum. Just six months earlier, on 23 February 2026, the car had passed with advisories on both front tyres noting wear close to the legal limit and on the edges, indicating the issue was already present and progressing at that point. The Dangerous categorisation reflects a serious safety risk, as a tread depth below 1.6mm compromises wet braking, cornering grip, and aquaplaning resistance. Because only two tests are on file for this relatively new vehicle, a firm pattern cannot yet be established, but the trajectory from advisory to dangerous failure in under six months is a clear worsening signal that demands immediate attention from any prospective buyer. With 20,869 miles recorded on a 2023 car, the vehicle has covered approximately 6,956 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and segment. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record or abrupt mileage jumps between the two recorded tests to suggest long periods off the road or erratic usage. This steady accumulation means the car has been in regular but not arduous service, so general wear items such as brake pads, discs, and suspension components should still have substantial life remaining, although the front tyres have clearly worn at an accelerated rate despite the modest overall mileage. The repeat advisories and subsequent failure on the front tyres warrant close scrutiny, as uneven or accelerated tyre wear on a relatively new car can point to underlying mechanical causes. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which may indicate worn wishbone bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar links. Check for pulling to one side under braking or a steering wheel that is off-centre, both of which can suggest worn suspension joints or tracking misalignment that would accelerate shoulder wear. Inspect the front brake discs for lipping or corrosion and the calipers for any signs of binding, as a dragging caliper will consume front tyres rapidly. Uneven inner or outer edge wear specifically, rather than even wear across the tread, typically signals geometry issues, whereas centred but rapid wear points more toward aggressive driving, under-inflation, or a heavy-footed previous driver. The Dangerous failure must be rectified with a new pair of front tyres before the vehicle is driven on the public road, and a full four-wheel alignment should be carried out at the same time to confirm there is no underlying cause for the premature wear. After the new tyres are fitted, request evidence that the advisory issued for under-tray/engine under cover fitted obscuring components has been resolved, as the tester was unable to inspect certain areas beneath the vehicle. Given the youth of the car, it would also be prudent to inspect the rear tyres, brake pads, and discs for any comparable early wear patterns, even though they were not flagged. Finally, confirm that the dangerous defect has been properly cleared via a retest or a new pass certificate before committing to purchase, as the vehicle cannot legally be driven in its current failed state.