2014 Skoda Fabia 1.6L Diesel · FH63 FTO

The 2014 Škoda Fabia’s most recent MOT, conducted just six months ago on 15 January 2026 at 89,098 miles, confirms it remains roadworthy but with persistent, low-level issues that suggest deferred maintenance rather than urgent failure. The current pass includes two advisory notes: a minor exhaust leak and severe corrosion to the rear silencer outer body, both of which indicate neglect rather than critical failure. While no major defects were recorded, the recurrence of similar advisories—particularly the rear exhaust corrosion—implies the vehicle has not undergone routine preventive care. The 2025 test at 83,445 miles also highlighted rear backbox corrosion, a structural component that, if unaddressed, could lead to further exhaust system deterioration or even a risk of gas leakage. The 2024 and 2023 tests passed without faults, but the 2022 inspection at 65,939 miles exposed significant suspension and steering wear, including play in the front anti-roll bar linkages, steering rack joints, and front strut top mountings, alongside worn brake discs. This suggests a trend of deferred servicing, with critical components—such as suspension bushes and steering joints—being pushed beyond their expected lifespan. The mileage progression of approximately 7,425 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gaps between tests reveal inconsistent maintenance intervals. The most notable jump occurred between the 2022 and 2023 tests, where mileage increased by 7,432 miles in just over a year, yet no faults were recorded. This could imply either a period of lighter use or that minor issues were overlooked until they became more pronounced in 2022. The absence of a 2021 test is also striking, as the vehicle would have been due for inspection around 61,539 miles, raising questions about whether it was off the road or simply not tested. The steady accumulation of miles since then, combined with the recurrence of corrosion advisories, suggests the vehicle has not benefited from regular underbody inspections or exhaust system checks. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering components, particularly the front anti-roll bar linkages, steering rack joints, and front strut top mountings, all of which showed significant wear in 2022. The front brake discs, though not yet critically weakened, exhibited pitting and scoring, so their condition should be reassessed—especially the inner faces, which are more prone to corrosion and uneven wear. The rear exhaust system demands immediate attention; the corrosion to the silencer outer body and backbox could compromise structural integrity, while the minor leak in 2026 indicates a failure to address the underlying issue. Underbody corrosion should be inspected for signs of rust penetration in the rear subframe or floor pans, as this could affect both the exhaust system and the vehicle’s structural stability. Finally, the steering and suspension noises noted in 2022—such as knocking from the front arb links and creaking strut mountings—should be tested for persistence, as these often indicate progressive wear that could lead to handling issues or safety concerns.