2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · SA64 RTZ

The 2014 Skoda Fabia presents a stable and largely reassuring roadworthiness profile. The most recent MOT, conducted on 2 October 2025 at 57,104 miles, resulted in a clean pass with zero defects recorded. This outcome is particularly significant because it followed a failed test on the exact same day, where the tester flagged an exposed ply or cord on the offside front tyre and insufficient tread depth on the nearside front tyre. The immediate retest pass indicates the previous owner addressed the tyre defects promptly, suggesting a responsive rather than neglectful maintenance attitude. The overall trend across the record is one of consistent compliance, with no recurring mechanical or structural failures. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of exceptionally low usage. At 57,104 miles over roughly twelve years, the annual average sits at approximately 4,759 miles, well below the typical UK annual figure of around 8,000 to 12,000 miles. The progression between tests reinforces this. Between the September 2022 test at 47,678 miles and the September 2023 test at 50,884 miles, the car covered just 3,206 miles in twelve months. From September 2023 to September 2024, it added 2,723 miles, reaching 53,607. The jump to 57,104 miles by October 2025 represents a slightly higher but still modest 3,497 miles over roughly thirteen months. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in accumulation, and the record shows no evidence of mileage rollback or odometer anomalies. Despite the low mileage, the October 2025 failure on tyres is a telling detail. Two front tyres requiring replacement simultaneously on a car doing fewer than 5,000 miles per year suggests either prolonged neglect of basic checks or extended periods of stationary storage causing flat-spotting and sidewall degradation. A buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully, checking the date stamps for age-related cracking, particularly if the car has stood unused for long stretches. The 2023 advisory regarding a discoloured offside upper windscreen area, while not a failure, warrants a close visual check for any progression that could impair the driver's view. Given the low mileage and suburban or short-trip usage pattern typical of such figures, the braking system deserves attention. Brake discs and pads on lightly used vehicles can develop surface corrosion and uneven wear from infrequent application, so a test drive should include firm and gentle braking to assess any juddering, pulling, or reduced bite. Suspension components, particularly bushes and dampers, may also show age-related deterioration independent of mileage, so listen for clunks over rough surfaces and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues.