2006 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · AV06 NDC

The Skoda Fabia’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-14 confirms it remains roadworthy, though with a minor advisory on the offside front brake hose deterioration—a condition that, while not failing, warrants immediate attention. The overall trend since 2022 shows intermittent but recurring issues: tyre wear, brake wear, and exhaust leaks, suggesting a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than mechanical failure. The 2022 failure alone—with a major exhaust leak and near-legal tyre tread—indicates neglect in critical areas, though the vehicle has since passed subsequent tests with only advisory-level defects. The latest test’s low-severity findings imply the owner has addressed the most urgent faults, but the history reveals a vehicle that has not been consistently well-maintained. The recorded mileage of 111,886 miles over nearly 20 years equates to an average of just over 5,500 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gaps between tests—consistently spaced at around 3,000 miles—align with the MOT cycle, but the sparse mileage suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or light use. There are no abrupt jumps in mileage between tests, which would signal rapid wear, but the low annual average raises questions about how components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain fluids have aged under minimal stress. The lack of service records in the MOT data further complicates assessing whether critical intervals for oil changes, timing belts, or power steering fluid have been adhered to. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the exhaust system, particularly the flexi pipe and surrounding joints, given the 2022 major leak failure. The repeated tyre tread advisories—especially the near-legal condition on the nearside front in 2022—demand verification of current tread depth and lateral wear, as edge wear can indicate alignment issues or aggressive cornering. The brake system merits close scrutiny: the 2024 advisory on thin pads and the 2025 hose deterioration suggest potential for uneven wear or fluid leaks. Suspension components, including rear wheel alignment and front wheel rim distortion from 2024, should be checked for binding or excessive play, as these can compromise handling and safety. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, is another critical area given the vehicle’s age, even if not explicitly noted in the MOT.