2009 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · AY09 CXM

A developing pattern of structural and component wear defines this Fabia's recent MOT history, with the most recent assessment on 14 May 2026 producing both a pass and a failure on the same day. The failure was due to an inoperative offside front position lamp, a straightforward electrical fault, but the accompanying advisories reveal ongoing deterioration across multiple systems. Nearside rear light unit damage, nearside front tyre sidewall damage, and rear tyre perishing on both sides were all noted, alongside severely deteriorated constant velocity boots on both front drive shafts. The recurring appearance of suspension arm corrosion advisories from 2022 through 2023, exhaust flexi pipe leaks flagged in both 2024 and 2025, and progressive front brake wear advisories over consecutive tests indicates a vehicle entering a phase where multiple components are approaching or have reached the end of their functional life. While each individual item has not yet resulted in a failure, the cumulative picture is one of steadily accumulating defects rather than isolated wear. Against an age of seventeen years, the recorded mileage of 85,115 miles equates to roughly 5,000 miles annually, which is considerably below typical usage for a vehicle of this vintage. Testing gaps are minimal, with annual MOTs recorded from 2021 through 2026, suggesting the car has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods. Lower annual mileage can preserve drivetrain and major mechanical components by reducing wear per unit time, but it does not arrest the effects of age-related degradation on rubber, flexible exhaust sections, suspension bushes, and corrosion-prone underbody components. The MOT record aligns with this expectation, showing persistent advisories for perished tyres, corroded suspension arms, and exhaust flexi leaks rather than high-mileage wear items such as clutch or gearbox concerns. The combination of moderate mileage and seventeen years of environmental exposure is consistent with the observed defect pattern. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the specific components flagged across the record. The constant velocity boots on both front drive shafts were noted as severely deteriorated in 2026, so listen for clicking or knocking noises from the front of the vehicle during full-lock turns, and inspect the boots themselves for splits or grease loss, as replacement is required before further degradation leads to joint failure. The front brake discs and pads have been flagged for wear in consecutive tests, so check for a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal under firm application, grinding noises, and visually inspect pad material thickness through the wheel. Front suspension arm corrosion was noted in both 2022 and 2023, so examine the lower arm surfaces for surface rust versus deeper structural corrosion, and during a test drive listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces that could indicate worn bushes or play in the linkages. The exhaust system warrants particular attention given advisories on the front flexi pipe in both 2024 and 2025. On the test drive, listen for exhaust ticking or hissing noises on cold start that may change with engine revs, and check for black soot deposits around the front flexi joint which would confirm an active leak. Tyre condition across all four corners should be evaluated carefully, as the record shows recurring cracking, perishing, and sidewall damage, particularly on the offside rear which has appeared in multiple consecutive tests; any tyres over five years old should be replaced regardless of tread depth due to age-related rubber hardening. Finally, verify that the offside front position lamp is functioning correctly and that the nearside rear light unit damage is purely cosmetic rather than allowing moisture ingress, and budget for replacement of perished tyres, both CV boots, and continued attention to the exhaust flexi as immediate priorities following purchase.