2004 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · GY04 MXT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding suspension and exhaust components. While it passed its most recent test in January 2026 at 119,087 miles, it had failed just moments prior due to a stop lamp failure and multiple suspension defects. The recurring deterioration of the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers and play in the nearside track rod end indicate that the front suspension assembly is reaching the end of its functional life and requires proactive attention to prevent further MOT-related failures. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 119,087 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 5,400 miles. The usage pattern appears consistent over recent years, with roughly 2,000 miles covered between January 2024 and February 2025, and another 1,800 miles in the year leading up to the latest test. However, low mileage on older vehicles often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components, which is consistent with the multiple failures of dust covers and suspension arm ball joints noted across the last three tests. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension to check for excessive play in the track rod ends and steering rack joints. The tester previously flagged play in the steering rack inner joints in February 2025, which is a significant concern that affects steering precision and safety. The exhaust system shows a history of corrosion, with leaks noted at the front joint and nearside rear silencer in 2025. You should verify if these structural weaknesses have been replaced or if the aging exhaust system is merely being held together, as it is likely to fail again under next inspection.