2010 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · FT10 PLZ

A pattern of otherwise steady roadworthiness for this 2010 Skoda Fabia was interrupted by an MOT failure on 26 January 2024, where a major defect was recorded for insufficient brake pedal reserve travel alongside advisories on both front tyres wearing close to the legal limit and on their edges. Aside from that single failed test, the recorded MOT history is comparatively untroubled: six prior tests at roughly annual intervals all returned pass results, with only one advisory in 2017 for a minor exhaust flexi pipe leak. The brake pedal reservation defect is the only recorded mechanical failure across more than seven years of testing and warrants close scrutiny on inspection, as it can point to worn master cylinder internals, a faulty servo, or rear brake self-adjustment issues rather than a simple adjustment. The 2024 failure came at the back end of an otherwise consistent test history, so the priority for a prospective buyer is confirming that the braking system was properly rectified and has not regressed since. Recorded mileage stands at 116,510 miles across 16 years, an annual accumulation of roughly 7,282 miles which sits comfortably within typical expectations for a car of this age and class. There is a notable gap in testing between July 2019 and January 2021, a stretch of around eighteen months where no DVSA test was carried out, although mileage continuity still appears consistent with steady rather than off-road use. Annual mileage is at a level where wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes is to be expected, and the components flagged in the 2024 test sit firmly in that category. Continued use at this rate means attention to wear items rather than structural integrity is the more pressing concern when evaluating the vehicle. Focus any physical inspection on the front axle and braking system first, given the recorded defects. On a test drive, the brake pedal should feel firm with a solid reserve of travel before the brakes bite; any excessive sponginess, a pedal that sinks under sustained pressure, or a noticeable reduction in pedal height after repeated firm applications would suggest the master cylinder or rear brake self-adjusters have not been properly addressed since the 2024 failure. The two front tyres were flagged for edge wear on the same test, which on a Fabia commonly points to worn front suspension components rather than simple ageing of the tyres; check for knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, uneven inner or outer tyre shoulder wear, and excess wander or tramlining at speed, any of which would suggest worn suspension arms, drop links, or bushes. A thorough inspection of the underbody and exhaust is also worthwhile given the advisory history. The 2017 exhaust flexi pipe leak may have been resolved at the time, but flexi sections deteriorate with age and heat cycles, so listen for any ticking or hissing from the exhaust at idle and on the over-run, and inspect the joint for soot staining or visible cracking. Given the vehicle's age, general corrosion checks on brake pipes, fuel lines, and subframe mounting points should form part of any pre-purchase examination, as these areas are not directly tested at MOT but become increasingly relevant on a 16 year old car. Finally, verify that the 2024 brake pedal reservation issue was rectified and that supporting documentation is available, and confirm the present condition of the front tyres and suspension components, as these remain the most likely areas of follow-up cost.