2012 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · DU12 AHF

Based on the DVSA MOT records, this Fabia presents a broadly stable mechanical picture heading into its latest test, though several recurring minor defects point to deferred rather than proactive maintenance. The vehicle passed on 2024-04-11 at 118,835 miles, but only after a failure three days earlier at 118,827 miles on 2024-04-08. That failure flagged an insecure nearside front track rod end ball joint dust cover, an offside front prop shaft joint CV boot no longer sealing against dirt ingress, a central front exhaust leak, a corroded rear exhaust box, a central oil leak, an insecure battery, and a nearside rear tyre worn to the legal limit. The subsequent pass suggests these items were addressed, yet advisories carried forward from prior years, including a slightly worn nearside front wheel bearing and the corroded rear exhaust box, remain unresolved. The maintenance trend is therefore stable but not improving, with the owner tending to fix only what is strictly required to pass rather than addressing underlying wear. The mileage accumulation is consistent with typical use for a 2012 vehicle. From 74,667 miles recorded on 2021-03-03 to 96,056 miles on 2022-04-11, the car covered roughly 21,389 miles in just over twelve months, indicating heavier use during that period. The pace then slowed markedly, with only 22,680 miles added between April 2022 and April 2024, averaging around 11,340 miles per year. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the current recorded mileage of 118,835 miles aligns with the vehicle's age and usage pattern. No anomalies in the odometer readings are apparent. A buyer inspecting this Fabia in person should focus on the structural and mechanical components that have surfaced repeatedly in the MOT history. The nearside front wheel bearing flagged in both the 2024 failure and the subsequent pass warrants close attention, as slight play can progress to noise or failure if left unattended. Suspension arm pins and bushes were noted as worn on both front corners in 2023, and while the tester judged movement was not excessive at that time, fourteen years of use and 118,835 miles mean these components are likely due for closer scrutiny. The CV boots on the front drive shafts have a history of deterioration, with the offside joint flagged in both 2023 and 2024, so a physical inspection for splits, grease loss, or play in the joints is advisable. The exhaust system also demands attention. The rear exhaust box was corroded in both 2023 and 2024, and the central front section had a minor gas leak in the same period. Corrosion on the rear box often accelerates in winter conditions, and a leak at the front joint can worsen if the mounting brackets or flexible section have deteriorated. The recurring oil leak noted in 2021, 2023, and 2024, though described as not excessive, suggests a seep that has persisted across multiple tests. A buyer should inspect the engine and gearbox area for fresh oil residue and check whether the source has been identified. Tyre condition has been flagged regularly, with edge wear and cracking appearing on multiple wheels, indicating possible alignment issues or underinflation that may also point to worn suspension geometry.