2015 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · GD65 TWW

The 2015 Skoda Fabia presented a PASS on its most recent MOT test dated 24 August 2026, though three advisories were noted: a deteriorated front registration plate, a child seat obstructing full inspection of the rear adult belt, and worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides of the front axle. When considered alongside the test history, the overall maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a subtle worsening in suspension condition. The 2023 test was completely clean, but subsequent tests have progressively carried more advisories relating to brake wear, tyre condition, and now suspension. The vehicle has passed each annual test without re-presenting a major defect, indicating that issues raised have either been addressed or have not yet progressed to failure, but a prospective buyer should treat the accumulating advisory count as a signal that the car is entering a phase of mid-life consumable renewal. With a recorded mileage of 89,419 miles over approximately eleven years, this Fabia has averaged around 8,129 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage bracket for a car of this age and class. There is no evidence in the MOT history of a prolonged standing period or a single large mileage gap that might suggest odometer inconsistency or extended inactivity, and equally no sign of unusually high annual accumulation that would point to motorway fleet use. The mileage profile is consistent with regular mixed driving, and the wear pattern recorded in the tests ties in with this reasonable usage level. The 2022 failure for excessive exhaust hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions is worth noting, as it suggests a period of suboptimal engine running, although the subsequent pass indicates the issue was rectified. Given the overall mileage, the timing belt or cambelt service interval, if applicable to this engine, and the auxiliary drive belt should be verified, and the cooling system, including the water pump and thermostat, inspected for age-related deterioration. The advisory regarding worn front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides is a recurring concern that warrants close attention. Such components typically deteriorate with age and mileage, allowing play in the front suspension geometry that can lead to imprecise steering, uneven front tyre wear, and audible clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or rattling from the front end, particularly over broken surfaces, and check for vague or wandering steering response. Because both sides are affected, the cost of rectification is likely to be greater, and given the vehicle's age, it would be prudent to inspect the remainder of the front suspension including anti-roll bar drop links, track rod ends, and the condition of the coil springs for any signs of corrosion or sagging. The brake-related advisories from 2024 concerning both front brake discs and pads wearing thin, together with the front tyre wear advisories recorded in 2024 and 2025, point to components that are now likely at or approaching the end of their service life. On inspection, the front discs should be checked for lipping, surface corrosion pitting, and minimum thickness, while the front pads should be measured for remaining friction material. The rear offside tyre has appeared twice in 2021 and 2022 with advisories for cracking or perishing, which is a classic age-related failure mode for rubber compounds and is something that warrants a physical check of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth, and manufacturing date, regardless of current appearance. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage should also be evaluated for the condition of the 12 volt battery, the age and clarity of all brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, the integrity of the exhaust system including mounts and flexi section given the prior emissions failure, and verification of a full stamped service history. Any binding calipers, weeping shock absorbers, or evidence of fluid leaks beneath the vehicle should be noted carefully during the viewing.