2015 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · KY65 XPM

Front‑end wear dominates the MOT history, with recurring advisories on the off‑side front shock absorber leaking light oil, worn MacPherson strut pins or bushes, and persistent front‑brake disc and pad wear. The most recent MOT on 28 August 2026 records a pass but still flags the shock‑absorber oil mist and strut pin wear, while a simultaneous failure on the same day flags the front brake discs as pitted, the pads as thin and the near‑side front anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust cover as ineffective at keeping dirt out. This pattern shows that the vehicle’s front suspension and braking components have been a continual source of non‑compliance rather than an isolated incident. At 72,706 mi the Fabia averages roughly 6,600 mi per year, which sits squarely within normal usage for a vehicle of its age. The mileage progression is steady with no abrupt spikes that would suggest periods of intensive use, meaning the wear observed on the suspension and brakes aligns with the recorded distance rather than excessive short‑term loading. The absence of large mileage gaps also indicates the car has not spent prolonged periods off the road, reducing the likelihood of hidden corrosion from long‑term storage. When inspecting the front suspension, feel for any clunk or knock when driving over potholes or speed bumps, and watch for any wobble or looseness in the steering column that could signal worn strut bushes or a deteriorating anti‑roll‑bar linkage. Visually check the off‑side shock absorber for oil seepage around the rod and examine the MacPherson strut top mounts for excessive play. The anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust cover should be intact; any missing or damaged cover can allow grit to accelerate wear on the joint. The brake system warrants close scrutiny: inspect the front discs for deep scoring or uneven wear, and measure pad thickness to confirm they are not near the minimum. During a test drive, note any pedal pulsation, sponginess, or a high‑pitched squeal that could indicate worn pads or contaminated discs. Verify that both front tyres have tread depth comfortably above 1.6 mm and are free from sidewall damage, as previous dangerous tyre‑tread failures were recorded. Finally, confirm the operation of the off‑side position lamp, the integrity of the interior door handles and seat‑belt webbing, and the legibility of the front registration plate, as these items have also been flagged in recent advisories. Budget for replacement of the front shock absorber, strut bushes, brake discs/pads and tyres, and consider addressing the anti‑roll‑bar dust cover to bring the vehicle back within full MOT compliance.