2011 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Diesel · SW61 BSV

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of worsening mechanical neglect and reactive repairs. While it passed its most recent test in November 2025 at 102,526 miles, the failure just one month prior reveals significant lapses in basic upkeep. The October 2025 failure highlighted multiple critical issues, including a power steering malfunction, leaking hoses, and numerous illegal LED bulb substitutions. This suggests the previous owner only addressed faults when forced by the MOT tester rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. At 102,526 miles, the Fabia has averaged approximately 6,835 miles per year over its fifteen years, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage accumulation is steady, with roughly 9,000 miles covered between the November 2024 and November 2025 tests. However, the low annual mileage has not protected the car from age-related degradation, as evidenced by the perishing of the nearside rear tyre and persistent corrosion issues noted in late 2025. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, as the November 2025 test flagged corrosion across all components from front to rear. While the front sub-frame was described as not seriously weakened, the presence of widespread rust suggests a high risk of future structural failure. The suspension also shows a history of wear, with worn arm bushes noted in 2023 and anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers failing shortly after. The recurring nature of these faults indicates that the suspension components are nearing the end of their service. Attention should also be paid to the braking system and engine seals. The record shows binding rear brakes in 2023 and worn front inner brake discs by late 2025. Given the recorded oil leak from 2023 and the power steering system failure in 2025, the buyer should inspect the engine bay for active leaks and check the fluid pump. The previous use of incompatible LED bulbs also suggests that electrical components may have been modified with non-standard parts to save costs.