2009 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · AV09 LPX

A clear pattern of chronic front-end wear has emerged across the last three MOT tests on this Fabia, with brake and suspension advisories progressively accumulating rather than resolving. The most recent examination on 2 June 2026 returned a pass but flagged both front brake discs as worn, pitted or scored, alongside thin front brake pads on both sides and worn lower suspension arm pins or bushes on each side. The previous test in June 2025 already noted thin front pads and introduced a minor windscreen damage note, while the 2024 test first recorded the front pad wear that has now intensified. A single failure on 6 June 2023 for an offside front wiper not clearing the screen effectively was rectified at the same date with a pass, leaving no historical structural or corrosion concerns on record. Overall, the trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness at the test level, but with a steadily worsening front brake and suspension picture that warrants close mechanical scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 43,929 miles across 17 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 2,584 miles, which is markedly low for a vehicle of this age. Testing has been consistent on an annual basis with no extended lay-up periods, suggesting the car has remained in regular but light service, likely short urban or suburban journeys rather than sustained motorway use. Mechanically, low mileage of this nature tends to preserve the engine, gearbox and major drivetrain components, but it does mean that consumable items such as brake discs, pads, suspension bushes and rubber components can deteriorate through age-related perishing even without high wear mileage. The fact that the brake and suspension wear advisories have emerged despite modest mileage points towards age-related degradation of those particular components rather than simple wear from use. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for inspection are the front braking system and front suspension assemblies. The advisories on both front discs being pitted or scored indicate surface corrosion and wear that, while not yet a test failure, will likely require disc replacement at the next pad change. On a test drive, listen for brake judder or vibration through the pedal under firm application, and check for any grinding or pulsing sensation. The pads wearing thin on both sides together suggest replacement of the full front axle pad set, and at the same time the discs should be measured for minimum thickness. The lower suspension arm pin or bush wear flagged on both sides warrants a physical check for any knocking or clonking over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when steering from lock to lock, and a borescope or visual inspection underneath should confirm whether the bushes have split or the pins show excessive play. Beyond the flagged items, the test record is otherwise reassuring, with no advisories relating to exhaust integrity, structural corrosion, steering components, tyres, or lighting. The windscreen damage noted in 2025 should be examined to confirm it remains outside the driver's primary swept area and has not progressed into the zone requiring replacement. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough inspection underneath for any emerging surface corrosion on subframe, brake pipes, and suspension links would be prudent, even though none has yet been recorded. With the front brake discs, pads, and lower arm bushes clearly approaching the end of their service life, a realistic purchase budget should account for several hundred pounds of front suspension and brake refurbishment work in the near term, after which this Fabia should continue to provide reliable transport given its otherwise clean roadworthiness history.