2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · AX63 EFS

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 9 June 2026, although it initially failed on the same day due to a malfunction with the engine management indicator light and incorrect headlamp aim. The overall maintenance trend is somewhat concerning, specifically regarding the steering system. There is a recurring advisory for play in the nearside steering rack inner joint that has persisted since at least June 2025, suggesting a pattern of deferring necessary repairs until they potentially become critical failures. With 117,654 recorded miles over a twelve-year period, the vehicle has averaged approximately 9,804 miles per year. This is a typical usage profile for a small hatchback of this age, indicating consistent use rather than prolonged periods of standing. However, exceeding 100,000 miles typically marks a transition point where major wear-and-tear components, such as suspension bushings, clutch plates, and timing belts, may require replacement if they have not already been addressed in the service history. The persistent advisory regarding the nearside steering rack inner joint is the primary mechanical concern. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for clunking or knocking sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or when driving over uneven road surfaces. This type of wear can lead to imprecise steering and accelerated tyre wear. Additionally, while the 2024 advisories for pitted and scored brake discs were not flagged in the most recent test, the buyer should verify if the discs were replaced or merely skimmed. Any shuddering through the brake pedal during deceleration would indicate warped discs or uneven surface wear. The history shows a pattern of tyre degradation, including perishing on the rear tyres in 2023 and edge wear on the fronts in 2021. A physical inspection of all four tyres is essential to check for sidewall cracking or uneven tread wear, which could further suggest alignment issues stemming from the steering rack play. Given the mileage and age, the buyer must verify the service history for the timing belt and water pump replacement, as these are critical failure points for this engine. Finally, ensure the engine management light is functioning correctly and that no stored fault codes remain following the recent failure.