1991 Skoda Favorit 1.3L Petrol · F505 FAV

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 24 March 2026, but the overall maintenance trend suggests a vehicle that is beginning to show its age with a pattern of recurring failures. Between 2024 and 2025, the car failed multiple tests due to a variety of major defects including suspension bush wear, CV boot failure, and electrical faults. While these were rectified to achieve a pass, the latest advisories regarding an exhaust leak, track rod end play, and wing corrosion indicate that the vehicle requires consistent, proactive maintenance to prevent a slide into unroadworthy condition. With a recorded mileage of 26,873 miles over approximately 35 years, the vehicle has averaged only 768 miles per year. This exceptionally low usage suggests the car has spent significant periods in storage or has been used very sparingly. While low mileage is often seen as a positive, in a vehicle of this vintage it frequently introduces mechanical risks associated with standing, such as the degradation of rubber components, the seizing of moving parts, and the chemical breakdown of essential fluids regardless of the distance travelled. During a physical inspection, particular attention must be paid to the offside front wing to determine if the recorded corrosion is superficial or indicates deeper structural decay. The history of suspension issues, including worn bushes and misting shock absorbers, means the buyer should listen for clunks or knocks during a test drive and check for uneven tyre wear. The current advisory for play in the offside track rod end may manifest as vague steering response or a slight wander. Additionally, the reported oil leak and exhaust leak should be verified by inspecting the engine bay for seepage and listening for an abnormal drone or popping sound from the exhaust system. Given the low annual mileage and age, it is critical to examine the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, as rubber degrades over time even if the tread remains deep. The braking system should be thoroughly checked for binding calipers or heavily pitted discs, both common symptoms of long-term standing. The buyer should also verify the health of the 12V battery and ensure that all fluids, particularly the brake fluid and coolant, have been changed according to a calendar-based schedule rather than mileage. Finally, a review of the service book is essential to confirm that the vehicle has been maintained during its periods of inactivity.