2018 Skoda Fabia 1.0L Petrol · DP67 OKN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 19 November 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that any issues present at the previous examination had been rectified and the car was presented in a roadworthy condition. Reviewing the broader test history, the pattern is broadly stable with one notable exception: on 16 December 2024 the vehicle failed on an offside front lower suspension arm rear bush that was recorded as excessively worn, accompanied by an advisory for the corresponding nearside bush. These concerns were addressed in time for a clean pass the following day, and the subsequent 2025 test shows no recurrence, suggesting the suspension repair was carried out properly. Overall, the maintenance trend appears consistent and well-managed, with no pattern of recurring or escalating defects across the recorded tests. With an odometer reading of 54,929 miles on a 2018 vehicle, the Fabia has accumulated roughly 6,866 miles per year over its eight-year life, which sits squarely within the typical range for a car of this age and class. The recorded MOT mileage progression shows broadly steady annual accumulation without any prolonged standing periods or unusually rapid mileage jumps, which is mechanically reassuring. Steady, moderate usage tends to be kinder to components such as the engine, transmission, brakes and exhaust than either very high annual mileage or extended periods of inactivity that promote corrosion and fluid degradation. Despite the absence of recorded MOT failures in the most recent test, the suspension arm bush failure from late 2024 warrants attention during a pre-purchase inspection. Lower arm rear bushes are a known wear item on Fabias of this generation and, once replaced on one side, the opposite side often follows shortly afterwards as it has typically endured identical loading. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven bumps, or during sharp low-speed turns, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering. Inspect the nearside and offside lower arm rear bushes for cracking, splitting, or any visible play by attempting to lever the arm with a pry bar. Given that the advisories and failure were concentrated at the front suspension, a thorough check of the front coil springs, top mounts, anti-roll bar drop links, and track rod ends is prudent, as these components work in concert and often wear at similar mileage thresholds on this platform. Although the MOT record is largely clean, several age- and mileage-related checks remain essential for an eight-year-old vehicle. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing or cracking from UV exposure and age, even if the tread depth appears adequate, and a wheel that was flagged as slightly distorted in 2021 should be examined for any worsening run-out or balancing issues, particularly if it persists. With modest annual mileage, it is worth verifying the 12V battery condition, as batteries of this age commonly lose cranking performance and may benefit from replacement. Check the service book for consistent stamping and confirm the timing belt replacement interval, which on the 1.0 TSI engines used in the Fabia is typically due around every four to five years depending on specification. Brake discs, particularly at the rear, may show edge corrosion from light use, and a standing caliper can produce a slight pulling sensation when first driven; both should be assessed on a road test. Finally, confirm the age and condition of the engine coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil, as these degrade with calendar time rather than mileage and benefit from periodic renewal regardless of the odometer reading.