2009 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · GL09 APK

A persistent pattern of front suspension wear dominates the mechanical history of this 2009 Skoda Fabia. Across three consecutive annual tests from 2024 through 2026, the same advisory has been logged for the front lower suspension arm pin or bush, with the most recent pass on 9 January 2026 also noting that the rear bush is now splitting and perishing. While each instance was classed as worn but not resulting in excessive movement, the recurrence points to deteriorating compliance in the front axle that warrants close physical inspection. A secondary trend is the progressive corrosion of the rear exhaust silencer, first flagged in 2023 and carried forward through 2024 and 2025, suggesting the back section of the exhaust system is steadily thinning. The 2026 test omitted any exhaust advisory, which may indicate the component has been renewed, though it could equally mean corrosion has progressed internally without being noted. Aside from these recurring items, the vehicle has passed every annual test without a single failure since at least 2019, and the earliest three records on file for 2020 to 2022 returned completely clean results, establishing a baseline of roadworthiness between these chronic advisories. The recorded mileage of 74,255 miles over a 17-year lifespan equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,368 miles, which is well below the typical figure for a vehicle of this age. No gaps in the testing record are apparent, as MOT certificates have been issued continuously from 2019 through to January 2026, implying the car has remained on the road throughout. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on high-cycle components such as the engine internals, clutch, and gearbox, but it can accelerate deterioration of rubber items that suffer from age-related perishing rather than mechanical fatigue. The repeated advisories for splitting and perishing suspension bushes and perished rear tyres noted in 2019 are consistent with this ageing-rubber effect, where components degrade from UV exposure and oxidation even when the vehicle is in regular but limited use. A prospective buyer should treat the front lower suspension arm bushes as the priority mechanical concern. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, particularly under braking or during direction changes. Excessive vagueness in the steering, a wandering front end, or uneven inner-edge tyre wear can also indicate that the worn bushes have begun allowing movement beyond the advisory threshold. Given that the rear bush is now also splitting, it is prudent to budget for replacement of both front lower arms or their bush kits, a relatively common repair on Fabias of this vintage, and to confirm whether the rear silencer has been renewed since the 2025 advisory. The exhaust corrosion history should not be dismissed even though the 2026 test did not flag it. Inspect the rear silencer and tailpipe visually for rust perforation, paying particular attention to the mounting rubbers and pipe joints, and listen for an unusually loud exhaust note, blowing sounds on cold start, or a metallic rattle from the rear underbody indicating a failing internal baffle. The 2019 advisories for perished rear tyres have not reappeared, suggesting replacements have been carried out, but verify that the current tyres are within the legal tread limit and check the sidewalls for cracking given the vehicle's age. Finally, given the low mileage, confirm that the engine cooling system, brake fluid, and drive belts have been renewed on a time rather than mileage basis, as age-related degradation of these items would not be reflected in the MOT record itself.