2013 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · MW13 WCC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 March 2026, resulted in a pass but flagged an advisory that the front suspension arm pin or bush is worn, although it has not yet produced excessive movement. Apart from this, the vehicle has passed every test since 2019 with no recorded failures, indicating a generally stable maintenance record. The advisory on the suspension suggests a developing issue, while the earlier advisory on a deteriorated CV‑boot in 2025 and the tyre wear note in 2019 show that wear items have been identified and presumably addressed, pointing to a maintenance trend that is neither deteriorating rapidly nor improving markedly. At 43,104 mi the Fabia has logged roughly 3,300 mi per year over its 13‑year life, a mileage figure well below the average for a car of this age. Such low utilisation often reflects either light, infrequent use or extended periods of storage. While low mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and brake components, it can also mean that seals, bushings and rubber parts have aged without the benefit of regular movement, and that corrosion may have set in during idle periods. The modest annual mileage does not mask the need to verify that consumables have been replaced in line with calendar intervals rather than distance. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. Check the condition of the suspension arm bushes and pins for any play, creaking or clunking when the steering wheel is turned or when the vehicle is driven over bumps. Examine the near‑side front CV joint boot for cracks, splits or leaking grease, as a severely deteriorated boot can allow contaminants to enter the joint, leading to joint failure and vibration. Inspect the front tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and uneven wear patterns that might indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components; the off‑side front tyre was previously close to the legal limit, so confirm that both fronts have been replaced or are still within safe limits. During a test drive listen for any metallic knock from the suspension, feel for any wandering or pulling, and monitor the brakes for shudder or uneven pull, which could hint at disc corrosion or caliper binding after long periods of standing. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also perform age‑related checks. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, looking for swelling, corrosion on terminals and confirming a healthy charge under load. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have adequate thickness; standing for years can cause discs to seize to the caliper pins. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and signs of contamination, and consider a full fluid change if the service history does not show recent calendar servicing. Finally, look for any rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body, especially around suspension mounting points, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate corrosion even on a low‑mileage car. Addressing these points will give you a clear picture of the Fabia’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.