2018 Skoda Fabia 1.0L Petrol · SC68 XEZ

A recurring weakness in the offside front suspension linkages defines the mechanical history of this vehicle, though the most recent test on 10 September 2025 was a clean pass with no defects. Between 2023 and 2024, the offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush was consistently flagged as worn, indicating a period of gradual degradation. Prior to this, the vehicle suffered a failure in August 2022 due to incorrect headlamp aim, alongside advisories regarding the condition of all tyres. The recorded mileage of 9,914 miles is exceptionally low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,239 miles per year. This usage pattern indicates the car has spent significant periods stationary or has been used for very short journeys. Mechanically, such low accumulation often shifts the primary wear factors from frictional degradation to material perishing, as evidenced by the 2022 advisory regarding cracking and perishing across all tyres. During a test drive, specific attention should be paid to the offside front suspension. Although the latest test was clean, the history of worn bushes suggests a potential for instability or noise. Listen for knocks or clunks when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vague steering response or pull under braking. The previous failure for headlamp aim should be verified by ensuring the beams are correctly aligned and not blinding other road users. A physical inspection of the tyres is necessary to ensure that the perishing noted in 2022 has been fully addressed with replacements. Check the sidewalls of all tyres for fine cracks or weather-checking, which can occur regardless of tread depth on low-mileage vehicles. Ensure there is no uneven wear on the offside front tyre, as this would correlate with the previously recorded suspension bush wear.