2019 Skoda Fabia 1.0L Petrol · DC19 EEH

The 2019 Skoda Fabia presents a mixed maintenance picture that has only recently stabilised. The most recent test on 7 April 2026 at 82,265 miles passed, but it followed a failure on 23 March 2026 at 81,268 miles, just two weeks and under a thousand miles earlier. That failure flagged a split nearside front CV boot, a distorted offside rear wheel, and a worn offside front lower suspension arm rear bush. The subsequent pass indicates the CV boot was replaced and the wheel rectified, yet the suspension bush advisory carried over unchanged into the April pass. The trend is therefore one of reactive repair rather than proactive upkeep. The tester has repeatedly noted a child seat blocking full inspection of the nearside rear adult belt, a minor but persistent oversight that suggests the previous owner did not prepare the vehicle properly for test. Mileage accumulation sits at roughly 11,752 miles per year, which is typical for a seven-year-old supermini. The record shows a notable jump from 60,726 miles on 8 April 2025 to 81,268 miles by 23 March 2026, an increase of over 20,000 miles in under twelve months. That spike points to sustained high-mileage use in the past year, placing accelerated wear on consumables, suspension components, and drivetrain parts. Earlier years were far quieter, with only 25,000 miles added between March 2023 and April 2025. The service history is sparse in the record, and the MOT alone cannot confirm whether routine items like brake fluid, filters, or cambelt intervals have been observed. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and drivetrain. The offside front lower suspension arm rear bush has appeared as worn but not yet causing excessive movement in two consecutive tests. Check for play in that bush and inspect the corresponding nearside arm for matching wear. Examine the nearside front CV boot closely for any fresh grease splatter or splits, confirming the repair is holding. The distorted offside rear wheel from the March failure warrants a check for kerb damage or inner rim cracks, plus a tyre pressure and tread depth comparison across all four corners. Brake wear has featured in past advisories, with rear pads flagged as wearing thin in April 2024 at 35,641 miles. Given the subsequent mileage, expect rear pads and discs to be well into their service life. Inspect pad thickness and disc lip condition, and test the handbrake function on a slope. The offside front shock absorber was noted with light oil misting in 2024. Press-test the front corners and listen for damping fade over a short drive. Finally, remove the nearside rear child seat and verify the adult belt retracts and locks correctly before committing to purchase.