2005 Skoda Fabia 1.4L Petrol · KE05 HPK

The 2005 Skoda Fabia presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean MOT pass on 6 March 2026 at 68,442 miles with zero defects recorded. That is a significant turnaround from the preceding years, where the vehicle consistently accumulated advisories and even a failure at the same test date in February 2024. The most recent certificate confirms that all previously flagged defects, including brake hoses, headlamp lenses, exhaust leaks, suspension ball joints, and the deteriorated offside front CV boot, have been rectified within the last 12 months. The mileage profile tells a story of exceptionally low annual use. Covering roughly 3,259 miles per year across a 21-year lifespan, this Fabia has averaged well below the typical 8,000 to 12,000 miles annually. The jump from 55,832 miles in February 2024 to 63,345 miles by March 2025 represents 7,513 miles in just over 12 months, a notably higher annual rate than the vehicle's historical average. This suggests a change in ownership or usage pattern around that period, possibly reflecting a new owner putting more miles on the car after years of light use. The gap between March 2025 and March 2026 shows only 5,097 miles added, returning to a more modest pace. Despite the clean current certificate, a buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and drivetrain. The offside front ball joint play and severely deteriorated CV boot flagged in February 2024 indicate that steering and drivetrain components were operating near tolerance limits. Examine the lower arms, track rod ends, and wishbone bushes for wear, and check the CV joint itself for clicking under full lock. The front exhaust flexi pipe appeared as a minor leak across three consecutive tests from February 2023 through February 2024, so inspect the full exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at joints and mounting points. The slightly deteriorated front brake hoses noted in March 2025 should be checked for cracking, swelling, or weeping at the banjo fittings. Given the vehicle's age and low mileage, long periods of standing may have caused perished rubber components throughout, including suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coolant hoses. A test drive over uneven surfaces will reveal any lingering suspension clunks or vague steering that could point to unresolved wear in the front end.