2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · SA64 WDT

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-08-14, passing with minor advisories including slight steering rack free play, corroded exhaust backbox skin, and an insecure heat shield. However, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening — the 2025-08-12 failure revealed multiple critical issues including worn front brake discs, excessive suspension bush wear on both front arms, imbalanced brake efficiency across axles, and multiple lighting faults. The fact that the same steering rack free play and exhaust corrosion reappeared in the subsequent pass suggests these were not fully resolved, indicating a pattern of deferred or incomplete repairs. Mileage progression shows a steady, typical annual average of around 7,083 miles over 12 years, with no significant gaps or sudden spikes. The 2023-03-02 pass at 75,323 miles was clean, followed by a 2024-02-28 failure at 79,475 miles — a jump of roughly 4,152 miles in just under a year, which may reflect increased usage or a period of neglect. The 2025-08-12 failure occurred just two days before the 2025-08-14 pass, with only 2 miles difference, suggesting the vehicle was repaired or adjusted immediately prior to retest. This tight turnaround implies the owner was actively addressing defects, though not necessarily resolving them permanently. A buyer should inspect the front suspension system closely — both nearside and offside suspension arm bushes were flagged as excessively worn in 2025, and the drag link end ball joint also showed excessive play. Brake components require scrutiny, especially the front discs and calipers, as imbalance and efficiency failures recurred across multiple tests. The exhaust backbox corrosion and insecure heat shield indicate potential structural degradation, which may compromise emissions or safety if left unchecked. Lighting faults, particularly the headlamp and indicator issues, should be verified for correct operation and secure mounting, as these were persistent and not resolved in the 2025 pass. The vehicle’s mechanical condition reflects a history of deferred maintenance, with recurring suspension, brake, and exhaust issues. While the most recent test was passed, the underlying problems suggest the car may require significant investment to maintain roadworthiness. Buyers should treat this as a project vehicle unless the previous owner can demonstrate full and documented repairs to the suspension, brakes, and exhaust systems. The mileage is reasonable for age, but the defect pattern indicates a lack of consistent upkeep, which may accelerate wear if not addressed.