2018 Skoda Fabia 1.0L Petrol · SC18 MMK

The most recent MOT on 25 March 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. Over the five‑year MOT record the trend is broadly stable; the only items flagged have been advisories rather than failures, suggesting that any wear or minor faults have been identified early and have not progressed to a condition that would cause a reject. The presence of only two advisories in the last three years points to a generally well‑maintained car, with no evidence of deteriorating major systems. At eight years old the Fabia has accumulated 77,427 miles, which works out to roughly 9,600 miles per annum. This is comfortably within the typical UK usage pattern for a small family hatchback and does not indicate any periods of unusually high mileage that would accelerate wear on the engine, transmission or suspension. There are no significant mileage gaps in the MOT history that would hint at long periods of storage, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and bushings is likely to be consistent with its age rather than the result of sporadic heavy use. The advisory concerning the rear brake pads being thin should be inspected promptly. Thin pads can lead to reduced braking efficiency and, if the underlying disc is also worn, may cause uneven pad wear or vibration when applying the brakes. On a test drive listen for a high‑pitched squeal that intensifies as the pads wear further, and feel for any pulsation through the pedal that could indicate disc glazing. Replacement of the rear pads – and a visual check of the disc thickness – is advisable before the next service interval to avoid a sudden loss of stopping power. The front wiper advisory, where the blades only operate at full speed, is usually a simple electrical or motor issue; verify that the wiper motor engages at all speeds and that the linkage is not binding, as reduced visibility in rain can be a safety concern. Given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should also perform age‑related checks irrespective of the MOT record. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear that could signal mis‑alignment or suspension degradation. Examine the undertrays and wheel arches for corrosion, especially around the suspension mounting points, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rust that compromises structural integrity. Test the 12 V battery voltage and look for any signs of electrolyte leakage; a battery older than five years may benefit from a load test or replacement. Finally, confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed at the manufacturer‑recommended intervals, as fluids deteriorate with time even when the car is not driven heavily, and old fluid can cause seal shrinkage, corrosion or reduced braking performance.