2011 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · FV11 VUP

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring failures and neglected consumables. While the most recent test on 22 January 2026 at 85,537 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed earlier that same day due to serious defects including an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, exposed tyre cords, and a structural bulge in the nearside front tyre. The history shows a pattern of reactive rather than proactive maintenance, as the tester repeatedly flagged deteriorating exhaust casings and tyre issues across multiple years. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,700 miles per year since 2011. This low usage is evidenced by the jump from 65,927 miles in November 2021 to 73,256 miles in January 2023, and the subsequent progression to 85,537 miles by early 2026. While low mileage often suggests less mechanical wear, the record shows that the vehicle has likely spent significant periods stationary, evidenced by the consistent reports of perishing and cracking tyres, such as the nearside rear tyre issues noted in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and exhaust systems. The MOT history shows persistent issues with suspension arm bushes and ball joints, specifically noted in January 2024 and January 2026, suggesting the front end may require further attention. The exhaust system has shown progressive deterioration, with the back box casing and outer skin flagged as failing or deteriorating in 2023, 2025, and 2026. The presence of a non-excessive oil leak since at least January 2024 warrants a close inspection of the engine seals to ensure it does not worsen. Tyre condition is a significant recurring fault. The vehicle has frequently failed or received advisories for tyres with structural damage, sidewall bulges, or cracking. Given the history of inner edge wear on the nearside front tyre in 2021 and the offside front in 2024, a buyer should check for wheel alignment issues or worn suspension components that could cause uneven tread wear. The repeated presence of under trays obscuring components also means certain mechanical inspections may have been limited during previous tests.