2009 Skoda Fabia 1.4L Diesel · CK09 ETR

The most recent MOT test on 2025-05-09—just over a year ago—shows the vehicle passed without any recorded defects, though the record curiously lists both a pass and a fail at the same mileage and date, which suggests either a clerical error or a duplicate entry. The preceding test in March 2024 also passed cleanly, indicating no major recurring issues were detected by the tester. However, the 2023 tests at 101,328 miles reveal a failed entry alongside a pass, though no specific faults were logged, leaving the exact nature of the failure ambiguous. Overall, the trend suggests the vehicle has avoided serious mechanical or structural failings, but the inconsistent 2023 data warrants scrutiny of whether minor issues were overlooked or whether the vehicle was briefly out of service. The recorded mileage progression reveals a steady accumulation of roughly 7,000 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Between March 2023 and March 2024, the car covered 2,779 miles, while the following year saw 14,107 miles—a notable spike. This suggests either a period of lighter use followed by more intensive driving, which could impact wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components. There are no extended gaps in mileage that would indicate prolonged neglect, though the lack of service records means wear on non-MOT-tested items like timing belts, drive belts, or differential fluid cannot be confirmed. Given the absence of specific faults in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear areas that aren’t routinely tested. The suspension—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these components degrade gradually and aren’t always flagged until they fail. Brake discs and calipers, especially the rear, should be examined for uneven wear or binding, as the 2023 failure (if any) might have been related to braking performance. Structural integrity is also critical; the chassis rails, sills, and wheel arches should be inspected for corrosion, as this model is prone to rust in these areas. Finally, the exhaust system should be tested for leaks or excessive rust, as emissions-related failures are common in older vehicles. The lack of service history means fluid levels and condition—brakes, clutch, differential, and engine oil—should be verified as part of the purchase process.