2009 Skoda Fabia 1.4L Diesel · SA09 DNX

The most recent MOT test on the 2009 Škoda Fabia was conducted on 2026-09-01, though no official result has been provided for that date—only the historical records up to 2021 remain available. The vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring but generally manageable issues, with the most critical failures occurring in 2017 and 2018, particularly around the offside drive shaft CV joint boot split, parking brake reserve travel, and rear wheel bearing roughness. Since 2018, the MOTs have predominantly passed with only minor advisories, suggesting a stabilization in the vehicle’s condition, though the persistent front brake wear and disc scoring indicate ongoing, albeit controlled, mechanical wear that requires monitoring. The absence of further major failures since 2017 implies that while the vehicle has faced some structural or component wear over time, it has not developed more severe issues that would compromise road safety. The recorded mileage of 118,199 miles for a 17-year-old Fabia represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,953 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and class. Such mileage suggests a mix of regular driving and periods of inactivity, which can lead to specific wear patterns. Lower mileage could indicate prolonged standing, potentially causing issues such as brake disc corrosion from standing brake heat, suspension binding from lack of movement, or fluid degradation from stagnation. Conversely, higher mileage would accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components, but the Fabia’s mileage does not appear excessive for its age. The historical MOT records also hint at some seasonal or usage-related gaps, as advisories like offside rear tyre wear close to the legal limit in 2018 could reflect uneven driving patterns or infrequent rotation. Given the MOT history, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front braking system, as the advisories from 2021 indicate that the brake pads are wearing thin and the discs are scored, which may require replacement within the next 1,000–2,000 miles if not already done. On a test drive, listen for uneven brake pedal travel, a grinding noise when braking, or a pulsating sensation through the steering wheel, which could signal warped discs or worn pads. Additionally, check for brake fluid leaks under the vehicle and inspect the brake hoses for corrosion, particularly around the ferrule, as the 2021 MOT noted slight corrosion on both sides. The offside rear tyre wear close to the legal limit in 2018 suggests that the tyres should be rotated and checked for uneven wear, with a focus on the offside rear, which may have been underused or driven more heavily in one direction. For the remaining components, the buyer should address the CV joint gaiter damage noted in 2017, as this could lead to increased noise or play in the offside front wheels if not serviced. A test drive should reveal a slight clunking or rattling when accelerating or turning, particularly on the offside side, which would indicate further wear or potential joint failure. The offside rear wheel bearing noise from 2016 and the bulge in the nearside rear tyre from 2017 suggest that these areas should be inspected for any signs of bearing failure or tyre separation, which could compromise handling and safety. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and moderate mileage, the buyer should verify that the service book is up to date, particularly for fluid servicing such as the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, which should be replaced every 60,000–100,000 miles or every 5 years, whichever comes first. Additionally, check for tyre sidewall perishing or cracking, which can weaken the tyre structure over time, and ensure the 12V battery is in good condition, as prolonged standing can lead to corrosion or reduced capacity.