2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · GD14 VSO

The 2014 Skoda Fabia most recently passed its MOT on 6 June 2026, although the test examiner recorded a minor defect for a cracked and taped offside rear stop lamp lens together with an advisory for play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint. This same combination of items had caused a fail just four days earlier on 2 June 2026, where a major failure was also issued for a nearside rear tyre cut exceeding the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords, accompanied by advisories for both rear tyres showing perishing or cracking. Looking at the broader pattern across the recorded tests, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a gradually accumulating list of advisories, particularly relating to steering components, suspension wear, exhaust condition and tyre deterioration. The recurrence of the steering rack inner joint advisory across the 2023, 2025 and 2026 tests, alongside an anti-roll bar ball joint failure and dust cover issues in 2025, indicates progressive wear in the front suspension and steering assembly that warrants close physical inspection. Recorded mileage stands at 117,710 miles over approximately twelve years, which equates to an average annual usage of around 9,800 miles, broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods of standing, and the mileage progression appears consistent with regular driving. For a Fabia of this age and mileage, mechanical attention should be focused on age and wear related consumables including timing belt or chain service intervals depending on engine variant, clutch condition, gearbox synchro wear, and turbocharger operation if fitted, none of which are assessed under the MOT but all of which are relevant to a twelve year old vehicle approaching 120,000 miles. The persistent advisory for play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint, which the 2025 examiner specifically noted as having a lot of play, is a significant recurring finding. On a test drive the buyer should listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, check for uneven or feathered front tyre wear indicating mistracking, and inspect the rack inner joints and track rod ends for any free movement with the wheels loaded. The 2025 anti-roll bar ball joint failure and dust cover deterioration suggest the front anti-roll bar drop links and bushes may also be nearing replacement, and any looseness or rattling through corners should be investigated. The 2024 advisory for slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing is another item to monitor by listening for a humming or droning noise that changes with vehicle speed, and by checking for any binding or uneven disc wear on the nearside front brake. The exhaust system has been flagged for a minor leak at the rear silencer in 2025, and given the vehicle's age and mileage the buyer should inspect the full exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at the joints, mounting rubbers and any heat shields, listening for any increase in exhaust noise on start up or under load. Brake discs are likely approaching the point of requiring replacement due to corrosion or wear at this mileage, so a thorough check for lipped discs, binding calipers, and uneven pad wear is advisable, and brake fluid should be confirmed as recently renewed as it degrades over time regardless of mileage. The 2022 advisories for both rear tyres perishing and nearing minimum requirements, combined with the major tyre failure in 2026, indicate that tyres fitted to the rear axle are prone to age related cracking, so all four tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing even if the tread depth appears adequate. Additionally, a vehicle of this age benefits from checks of the twelve volt battery health and charging system, coolant condition and age, the condition of all suspension bushes for cracking or splitting, and verification of a complete service history with evidence of regular cambelt and oil changes to confirm the engine and drivetrain have been properly maintained.