2021 Skoda Fabia SE MPI 1.0L Petrol · GD70 CEK

The most recent MOT on 15 May 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that date. Over the three‑year record the only items noted were advisory comments – a light oil mist on the off‑side front shock absorber in January 2025 and a deteriorated rear registration plate in February 2024 – both of which are non‑fatal but suggest a modest decline in component condition. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stable, with no outright failures, although the shock absorber advisory signals a potential area that may require attention in the near future. At 71 228 miles the 2021 Skoda Fabia has been driven at an average of roughly 14 200 miles per year, which is above the typical UK average for a vehicle of its age. This level of utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as tyre tread, brake pads and discs, suspension bushings, and engine oil. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, so the high annual mileage is likely the result of regular, sustained use rather than long periods of storage, meaning that age‑related degradation will be compounded by mileage‑related fatigue. The advisory concerning light oil mist on the off‑side front shock absorber warrants a close visual inspection of the shock body for any seepage and a tactile check of the rod for excessive play. During a test drive, listen for a distinct clunk when passing bumps and feel for any uneven rebound or excessive dive under braking, which would indicate deteriorating damping performance. If oil is present or the shock feels soft, replacement should be scheduled promptly, as worn dampers can compromise ride quality and tyre wear. The rear registration plate issue is cosmetic and does not affect roadworthiness, but a replacement plate should be fitted to avoid future readability concerns. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough pre‑purchase examination should include checking tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry rot, confirming tread depth meets legal limits, and ensuring even wear patterns that would point to correct wheel alignment. Inspect the brake discs for surface scoring, rust spots, or uneven thickness, and verify pad thickness; any shudder or pulsation when braking would suggest disc or caliper issues. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and test the 12‑volt battery’s charge, as high‑usage cars often experience reduced battery life. Finally, confirm that coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed in accordance with the service schedule, and look for any signs of leaks around the engine bay, suspension mounts and exhaust system, as time‑based fluid degradation can lead to premature component wear.