2010 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · FH10 LSY

The defining mechanical thread across this Fabia's MOT record is a developing pattern of rear coil spring corrosion, supplemented by a single suspension-related failure at the 2024 test. The most recent examination on 3 June 2026 was a pass, but it carried an advisory for the nearside rear coil spring corroded, mirroring the offside rear advisory recorded on 17 June 2025. Earlier years were entirely clean of defects, so the front suspension arm bush wear and anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover failures flagged on 5 June 2024 stand out as isolated but significant events, with the affected components subsequently passing at the 2024 retest and remaining unflagged since. Overall, the trajectory is one of clean early roadworthiness now giving way to age-related underbody deterioration, which is consistent with a vehicle approaching its mid-teens. Against a sixteen-year lifespan, the recorded 66,311 miles equates to roughly 4,144 miles annually, placing this Fabia firmly in low-mileage territory. The MOT tests are evenly spaced on an annual basis with no extended gaps in testing, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for long periods. Low annual mileage of this nature typically reduces wear on major drivetrain and engine internals, though it can simultaneously accelerate underbody corrosion and degrade rubber and polymer components through age rather than use, a profile that aligns with the coil spring advisories beginning to emerge in the most recent tests. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough underbody examination, given the rear coil spring advisories recorded at the last two MOTs. Coil springs that have corroded to the point of being flagged will eventually weaken, fracture, or cause knocking over uneven surfaces, so a test drive over speed humps, potholes, and broken tarmac is essential to listen for any metallic clunking or bottoming-out sensation from the rear suspension. Both rear springs should be inspected for surface pitting, scaling, and any visible loss of material thickness, as corrosion severe enough to be advisory on one side typically progresses on the opposite side. The 2024 failure on the offside front suspension arm pin or bush and the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover warrants particular attention to the front suspension geometry. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over bumps, particularly when turning at low speed, which would suggest renewed wear in the suspension arms, bushes, or anti-roll bar drop links. Also inspect the condition of the anti-roll bar linkage boots, brake hoses and pipes, and the subframe mounting points for any fresh corrosion, as Fabias of this generation are known to develop surface rust in these areas. Finally, although no tyre or brake issues have been flagged since 2023, a current inspection of all four tyres for age-related cracking, and a firm check of the brake pedal for any sponginess or excessive travel, will confirm that the lower annual mileage has not masked deterioration through inactivity.