2016 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · DF16 ENM

The most recent MOT test conducted on 1 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but this follows a significant failure on 30 June 2026. The maintenance trend for this Skoda Fabia shows signs of recent deterioration followed by reactive repair. While the vehicle has passed several consecutive tests in previous years, the sudden appearance of major defects regarding braking and suspension components suggests that wear has reached a critical threshold. The fact that the vehicle passed immediately after these major failures indicates that the identified faults were addressed, but the history of recurring advisories suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than proactive upkeep. With a recorded mileage of 67,116 over approximately ten years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 6,712 miles per year. This represents relatively low annual usage, which is consistent with a car used for local trips or short commutes. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can lead to other issues such as component degradation from infrequent use. In this specific case, the low mileage does not seem to have prevented the wear of critical consumables like suspension bushes and brake components, which can sometimes occur if a vehicle is driven on poorly maintained roads or undergoes long periods of standing. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the recent suspension and braking issues. The failure of the offside front suspension arm bush and the advisory regarding the nearside bush indicate that the front suspension geometry is compromised. During a test drive, listen for knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when driving over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, and check for any pulling to one side during braking or acceleration. The recent major defect regarding the offside front service brake lagging in operation, combined with the advisory for imbalanced front brakes, suggests that the caliper or sliding pins may have been sticking. You should test the brakes thoroughly for any shudder through the pedal, uneven pulling, or a grinding sensation, which could indicate uneven pad wear or a binding caliper. Furthermore, the MOT history shows a long-standing advisory regarding light oil misting on the front shock absorbers, dating back several years. While this has not yet resulted in a failure, it indicates that the seals on the dampers are beginning to perish. You should inspect the shock absorbers for significant fluid leaks and monitor the vehicle for excessive bouncing or poor handling, which would indicate the damping effect has diminished. Given the age and mileage, also perform a physical inspection of the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing due to age, check the condition of the battery, and verify that the service history includes regular oil and fluid changes, as calendar-based degradation is a concern for vehicles with lower annual mileage.