2004 Skoda Fabia 1.9L Diesel · OY04 HSE

The most recent MOT test on 22 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but the assessment must be viewed in the context of the immediately preceding test on 1 December 2025 which produced a dangerous and major failure. That failure included a dangerous defect for excessive corrosion to the offside front sill compromising structural integrity, alongside majors for an inoperative engine management indicator lamp, an ABS warning lamp indicating an ABS fault, a major exhaust gas leak, and an obstruction severely restricting the driver's swept view through the windscreen. The fact that the vehicle passed three weeks later following presumably significant remedial work is encouraging, yet it does not erase the underlying severity of the corrosion finding or the engine and ABS warning lamp issues. The 2024 and 2023 tests both passed with advisories only, but 2023 also included a prior failure for exhaust leaks, a missing catalytic converter, and an ESC switch fault. Taken together, the trend is one of worsening condition in late 2025 following a period of broadly stable results, and the corrosion advisory recorded at the latest pass confirms that structural deterioration remains an ongoing concern rather than a fully resolved matter. Against a 22 year vehicle age, the recorded 192,113 miles equates to approximately 8,732 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage but sits at the lower end of average annual use. The MOT history shows tests in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025, with no recorded test in 2022, 2024 prior to January, or the latter part of 2024 and 2025. This irregular testing cadence and the gaps between recorded mileages could indicate periods of limited use, standing time, or simply undocumented mileage accumulation. Lower than typical annual mileage does not necessarily preserve mechanical condition because age-related degradation of rubber components, brake and clutch hydraulic seals, coolant hoses, drivetrain mounts, and underbody protection continues regardless of distance covered. Conversely, the relatively modest annual figure means high-mileage wear items such as the clutch, engine internals, and gearbox have not been worked excessively hard, although the total accumulated mileage is still substantial and consistent with consumable replacement cycles having elapsed several times over. Given the recurring and recent advisories for front tyre edge wear and a front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with slight play, a prospective buyer should undertake a careful physical inspection of the suspension and steering. The nearside front anti-roll bar link ball joint showing slight play in 2024 should now be rechecked, as a year of further wear can readily progress this to a failed condition. On a test drive, listen for clonks or rattles from the front suspension over speed humps and during direction changes, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering which would suggest worn track rod ends, drop links, or bush deterioration. Both front tyres were noted as worn on the edge in early 2024, which can indicate incorrect camber or toe settings, worn suspension bushes, or a combination of both. Any uneven shoulder wear, feathering across the tread, or inner-edge wear should be inspected on the current tyres, and a four-wheel alignment should be considered if any irregularity is observed. The nearside front wheel bearing slight play advisory from 2023 is also worth verifying, as worn wheel bearings typically progress to a noticeable hum that changes with vehicle speed and may be more apparent on cornering. The 2025 dangerous corrosion finding at the offside front sill is the single most important issue to satisfy oneself about before purchase. Even though the vehicle subsequently passed, the area must be physically examined on a ramp or over a pit to confirm that professional repair rather than superficial filler or sealant has been employed, and that surrounding inner sill, jacking point, A-post, and floor pan metal remains structurally sound. The advisory for rear spare wheel well corrosion indicates corrosion is present in more than one location. The engine oil leak advisories from 2023 and 2024, described as not excessive, should be monitored as oil leaks of this nature tend to worsen over time, particularly from valve cover gaskets, sump seals, or cam chain tensioner areas on engines of this age and mileage, and a thorough under-bonnet check for fresh oil residue and a low reading on the dipstick is warranted. Given that this is a 22 year old vehicle with nearly 200,000 miles, a 12V battery health check is advisable irrespective of MOT records, and all fluids including engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and manual gearbox or automatic transmission fluid should be treated as overdue for renewal on a calendar basis. Brake discs and calipers on a vehicle that may have stood for extended periods are prone to corrosion and binding, and the brake pedal should feel firm with no sponginess and the car should pull neither side under braking. Exhaust condition beyond the recent major leak repair warrants a check for further corrosion and blowing joints, particularly given two exhaust-related failures in the recorded history.