2017 Skoda Fabia 1.0L Petrol · CV67 JUW

The most recent MOT, carried out on 2 February 2026, resulted in a failure. The test recorded dangerous defects on the nearside front tyre (tread depth below the legal 1.6 mm limit) and on the nearside front brake pads (thickness under 1.5 mm), together with a major fault on the off‑side front outer drive‑shaft CV joint boot, which is split and no longer protects the joint from dirt ingress. An advisory also noted that the rear brake discs are worn, pitted or scored, although not yet structurally compromised. Earlier MOTs from 2020 to 2023 were all passes with only minor advisories, indicating that the vehicle’s condition has deteriorated sharply in the last twelve months. At nine years old the Fabia has only 36 308 miles on the clock, an average of just over 4 000 miles per year. Such low annual mileage suggests the car has spent considerable periods stationary, which can accelerate age‑related decay even when wear from use is modest. The limited mileage does not mask the fact that the recent defects are primarily safety‑critical rather than a consequence of high mileage, but the low utilisation does raise concerns about tyre perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of components that have been idle for long stretches. A prospective buyer should treat the front tyre and brake pad failures as urgent replacements; both front tyres must be fitted with new, road‑legal tyres before the vehicle can be driven legally, and the front brake pads should be changed together with a thorough inspection of the brake discs for scoring or glazing. The split CV boot on the off‑side front drive‑shaft should be replaced and the joint inspected for any contamination or wear that may require a full CV joint rebuild. The rear brake discs, while not yet failed, are already showing surface damage and should be measured for remaining thickness; resurfacing may be sufficient but replacement is advisable if the wear pattern is uneven. During a test drive listen for any clunk or squeak from the suspension, especially over bumps, which could indicate worn bushes or deteriorated mounts, and feel for any vibration or shudder when applying the brakes, a sign of disc irregularities. Given the car’s age and low mileage, additional checks are prudent. Examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, as tyres can degrade simply with time. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, checking voltage and load, because prolonged storage often leads to reduced capacity. Inspect the undertrays and chassis for rust, especially around wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and ensure the suspension components (coil springs, shock absorbers, bushings) are free of corrosion and excessive play. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, filter and brake‑fluid changes, and consider a full fluid flush (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid) as part of a comprehensive hand‑over to mitigate the effects of calendar ageing.