2015 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · ET15 AEA

The 2015 SKODA FABIA presents a concerning pattern of progressive suspension degradation that has manifested across two separate MOT failures within a narrow twelve-month window. After passing consecutively through December 2022 and early 2023, the vehicle failed its first MOT on 2024-12-18 with an advisory regarding nearside front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear, followed immediately by a second failure on the same day escalating to a major fault involving offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush excessive wear. This recurrence of identical suspension component failures—first noted at 5.3.4 (a)(i) and then elevated to a major category—indicates that the initial wear was not merely cosmetic but progressed to a point where it compromised structural integrity and safety margins. As of the latest successful test on 2025-12-17, the vehicle has returned to compliance, yet the underlying issue remains evident in the failure sequence, suggesting either inadequate repair resolution or accelerated deterioration following the initial repairs. The odometer reading of 83,003 miles on a 2015 model places the vehicle at approximately eleven years of ownership, yielding a steady annual accumulation of around 7,546 miles. While this mileage range is typical for a vehicle of this age and does not inherently suggest exceptional care or neglect, the gap between the 2022-12-15 and 2024-12-18 MOT appointments represents a four-month interval during which no further testing occurred despite the clear progression of suspension failures. The consistent annual mileage increase aligns with normal engine and drivetrain wear patterns, but the concentration of suspension-related faults over such a short span indicates that the earlier warnings were likely ignored or inadequately addressed before they compounded. This usage profile implies that the suspension system has been under increasing strain throughout its operational life, with the current mileage reflecting cumulative stress rather than indicating abnormal driving conditions. Buyers should treat the reported suspension failures as active concerns requiring immediate professional inspection, particularly of both front lower suspension assemblies including arm pins, bushings, and associated subframe connections. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces, especially around potholes or rough pavement, as worn lower suspension arms often produce distinct metallic rattling that can indicate loose or damaged bushings. Inspect the brake lines and wheel bearings while also checking for any visible signs of subframe rust or corrosion around the suspension mount points, as rust can accelerate premature failure of these components. Given that the last MOT clearance was achieved in late 2025, the vehicle may have been driven beyond safe limits since then, so a full dynamic assessment including load-bearing tests and component replacement verification is essential before committing to purchase.