2016 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · PL16 CNN

A broadly clean MOT record defines this 2016 Skoda Fabia, with the most recent test on 28 July 2026 returning a pass with no defects recorded and the four preceding annual tests also passing without failure. Two advisories have been issued across the five-test history, both minor and isolated rather than pointing to a chronic deterioration. The first appeared in July 2023 for a nearside front suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement, and the second in July 2025 noted slight damage to the nearside rear tyre. Neither advisory was repeated on the subsequent test, and the 2026 examination recorded no continuing concerns, suggesting the flagged items were addressed or remained stable rather than worsening. Overall, the trajectory is one of consistent roadworthiness with no upward trend in advisory counts. Against an age of roughly ten years, the recorded 68,639 miles equates to an annual accumulation of about 6,800 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical band for a small hatchback of this vintage and indicates regular rather than exceptional use. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would imply long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent with normal commuting or mixed driving. This kind of usage pattern tends to be kinder to components than stop-start urban abuse alone, while still ensuring the engine, transmission, and ancillaries have been worked through regularly. Mechanical expectations therefore centre on routine wear items reaching mid-life rather than premature fatigue from either excessive mileage or prolonged standing. For a prospective buyer, the priority checks should focus on the components that have historically drawn attention. The 2023 advisory concerning the nearside front suspension arm bush warrants a careful inspection of the front suspension geometry, particularly listening for clonks or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, speed humps, or during full-lock manoeuvres, as a worn bush can allow perceptible movement under load. Visually, the nearside front arm and its mounting should be checked for perished rubber, cracking, or any evidence of fresh greasing, and the front tyres should be examined for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can indicate compromised suspension geometry. On a test drive, pay attention to steering precision and any vagueness through the centre position, which could hint at related wear in the track control arm joints or anti-roll bar linkages. The 2025 tyre advisory is minor but serves as a reminder to inspect all four tyres and the spare for sidewall damage, bulges, or cracking, particularly on the nearside rear where the original defect was logged. Uneven tread wear across the axle would also suggest alignment issues worth investigating before purchase. Beyond the advisory history, a general road test should include firm brake applications from moderate speed to check for any pulling, judder, or vibration through the pedal, which can indicate warped front discs given the vehicle's age and mileage. Listen for any clonking from the rear under acceleration or over bumps, and confirm the clutch action remains smooth and the gearbox selects cleanly through all gears, as these are areas not specifically covered by the MOT but are consistent mechanical concerns for a Fabia of this age and mileage bracket.