2011 Skoda Fabia 1.6L Diesel · SP61 OAX

The June 2025 test at 96,540 miles returned a clean pass, yet the MOT expired in June 2026 leaving the car currently untested for over a month. A distinct pattern emerges across the last two cycles: the vehicle failed initially in July 2024 at 91,743 miles and again in June 2025 at 96,534 miles, only to pass a retest days later with no defects recorded on the certificate. This fail-then-pass sequence suggests recurring rectification work, though the absence of recorded defect codes prevents identification of the specific items involved. The October 2023 pass at 91,186 miles showed no advisories, indicating a relatively sudden onset of test failures in the subsequent period. Mileage accumulation has slowed markedly. The car covered roughly 5,350 miles between October 2023 and June 2025, averaging under 3,000 miles per year against a lifetime average of 6,400. A particularly low figure of 560 miles appeared between October 2023 and July 2024, hinting at extended periods off the road. Such intermittent use often accelerates brake disc corrosion, seizes caliper sliders, and degrades suspension rubber faster than steady mileage would suggest. A buyer must treat the unrecorded failure items as unknown variables. Focus the physical inspection on the rear axle beam bushes and trailing arm brackets, a known weak point on the Fabia platform that often triggers test failures without obvious driving symptoms. Examine the front coil springs for fracture at the lower pan, check brake pipe runs along the chassis legs for advanced corrosion, and verify the structural integrity of the front subframe mounting points. Confirm the quality of whatever repairs secured the June 2025 pass, as same-day retests occasionally mask temporary adjustments rather than permanent fixes. The expired MOT status also demands a fresh test before any purchase commitment.