2016 Skoda Fabia 1.0L Petrol · SF16 WBU

The Skoda Fabia’s most recent MOT, conducted just ten months ago on 2025-09-09 at 53,416 miles, confirms it remains roadworthy but with notable wear patterns that suggest deferred maintenance rather than acute failure. The testers recorded front brake discs as pitted and scored, a condition that—while not yet critically weakened—indicates prolonged use without replacement. The rear tyres were also flagged for perishing and cracking, a failure mode that typically accelerates when tyres remain on the vehicle beyond their optimal lifespan. These issues, combined with the absence of defects in the preceding clean tests (2024 and 2022), imply a trend of neglect rather than systematic upkeep. The fact that the vehicle passed without major advisories in 2024 despite covering 10,000 miles in a year suggests previous owners may have prioritised passing the test over addressing underlying wear. The mileage progression reveals an unusually low annual average of 5,342 miles over ten years, a figure that could point to either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gaps between tests are consistent—annual intervals—yet the jump from 32,309 miles in 2023 to 43,002 miles in 2024 (10,713 miles in a year) stands out as the highest annual accumulation. This spike, coupled with the 2023 advisory for a corroded exhaust sleeve, hints at either a change in usage patterns or delayed servicing. The earlier tests (2021 and 2022) show no defects, reinforcing that the vehicle has likely been driven sparingly but not maintained with the same diligence as higher-mileage peers. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front brake system, particularly the discs and calipers, to assess whether the pitting has progressed to uneven wear or binding. The rear tyres, marked as perishing, warrant close examination for structural integrity—look for embedded debris, delamination, or uneven tread wear that could indicate prior misuse. The 2023 exhaust sleeve corrosion, though not repeated, suggests rust is a factor; inspect the underbody for structural corrosion, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and rear subframe. Given the low mileage, suspension components like bushes and coil springs should also be checked for dryness or cracking, as these degrade more from age than distance travelled. Document any play in steering or suspension movement, as this could signal worn mounts or deteriorated joints.