2011 Skoda Fabia 1.6L Diesel · FV61 EZX

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a history of deferred maintenance and recurring failures. While it passed its most recent test in November 2023 at 111,873 miles, this followed two consecutive failures within a single month. The 2023 pass left advisories for a worn offside front track rod end ball joint and a leaking offside rear shock absorber, indicating that the current owner is likely only addressing the absolute minimum repairs required to pass the MOT test rather than engaging in preventative mechanical upkeep. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 15-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,500 miles per year. The record shows a clean history between 2014 and 2016, but mechanical issues deteriorated significantly as the car surpassed 75,000 miles. There is a notable period of activity between November 2022 and November 2023, where the car covered over 3,600 miles while suffering multiple critical failures related to braking and steering components. This suggests a period where the vehicle was being stressed under regular use without timely intervention. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the steering and suspension, as the record shows persistent issues with the steering rack inner joints and worn suspension arm bushes spanning several years. The braking system is also a major area of concern, particularly given the 2023 failures for low brake efficiency, parking brake failure, and axle imbalance. These symptoms often point to seized calipers or neglected drums and discs, which have been flagged as pitted and scored in multiple tests. Attention is also required regarding structural integrity and the exhaust system. The history notes recurring corrosion on rear shock absorber casings since 2020 and corroded rear coil springs in 2021. The buyer should verify the current state of the exhaust flexi, which was flagged for a leak in 2022, and ensure that underbody rust has not progressed beyond surface. Given the trend of recurring faults, the vehicle likely requires significant investment in the near future to maintain roadworthiness.