2004 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · AY04 AFK

The vehicle presents a deteriorating maintenance profile characterized by recurring mechanical issues and a tendency toward reactive rather than preventative upkeep. While the March 2024 test at 172,303 miles resulted in a pass, the record shows an increasing frequency of suspension and braking faults. The most recent advisories, including light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber and a severely deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar linkage dust cover, indicate that wear-and-tear components are reaching the end of their service life. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,800 miles per year. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the vehicle covered 12,516 miles, suggesting a slight increase in recent usage compared to the long-term average. The data is continuous from 2016 through 2024, providing a reliable longitudinal view of the car's condition, though the frequent failures in 2018, 2020, and 2022 suggest the owner often waits for MOT inspections to address essential repairs. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering systems. The MOT history shows a persistent pattern of issues with anti-roll bar linkages and ball joints dating back to 2017, with failures for excessive play and worn dust covers appearing repeatedly. The March 2022 failure for an ABS fault and a split nearside front drive shaft CV boot suggests that electronic and drivetrain components require careful verification. Braking components also require close scrutiny. The March 2023 test flagged thin pads and pitted discs, and the March 2020 test noted an imbalanced parking brake and efficiency issues. Given the history of exhaust leaks and the recent windscreen damage, the buyer should also check for structural corrosion around the exhaust mounting points and ensure the windscreen does not compromise the vehicle's structural integrity or driver visibility.