2018 Skoda Fabia 1.0L Petrol · T15 PLB

The 2018 Škoda Fabia’s most recent MOT test on 2026-08-03 resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from its previous two tests, which both recorded persistent advisories. While the vehicle has not failed an MOT since 2023, the recurring issues—particularly the nearside rear tyre wear, offside front shock absorber misting, and front brake component wear—suggest a maintenance pattern that has not been fully resolved. The fact that these advisories were present in both 2024 tests indicates either ongoing wear progression or a systemic issue that may require deeper investigation, such as alignment, suspension geometry, or tyre installation quality. The absence of failures in the last year is encouraging, but buyers should remain vigilant, as these advisories could escalate into defects if left unattended, especially given the vehicle’s age and accumulated mileage. The Škoda Fabia’s recorded mileage of 65,796 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,224 miles per year, which is typical for its age. This figure does not suggest excessive wear from high-mileage accumulation, as the vehicle has not been driven at a rate far exceeding the norm for its class. However, the consistent advisories on suspension and tyres could imply that the vehicle has either been subjected to rough road conditions or experienced misalignment, which accelerates tyre wear and suspension component fatigue. The lack of significant mileage gaps does not necessarily indicate poor maintenance, but it does mean that consumables like fluids and wear items may have reached or approached their service thresholds sooner than expected. Given the recurring advisories, particularly the nearside rear tyre wear and offside front shock absorber misting, prospective buyers should conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s suspension system. Focus on the front and rear suspension components, checking for uneven tyre wear patterns that may indicate misalignment, camber issues, or worn control arm bushings. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunks or rattles from the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, as these could signal failing shock absorbers or worn coil springs. Additionally, examine the front brakes for binding calipers, excessive heat discolouration on discs, or uneven pad wear, which may suggest hydraulic issues or warping from prolonged standing. The slight distortion of the nearside rear road wheel should be verified by measuring wheel run-out and checking for any signs of excessive play or imbalance, which could lead to further tyre wear or handling instability. For the tyres, the advisories indicate that the near-side rear tyre is worn close to the legal limit and exhibits edge wear, which often results from underinflation, incorrect tyre pressure, or poor alignment. Buyers should replace this tyre immediately to prevent reduced traction, increased stopping distances, and the risk of a blowout. The offside front tyre, also showing wear close to the legal limit, should be checked for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can compromise tyre integrity over time. Given the vehicle’s age, consider rotating the tyres every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear across all four tyres. For the brakes, the thin front pads and worn but not excessively worn discs suggest that a service is overdue, particularly if the vehicle has been driven regularly. Inspect the brake fluid level and condition, as low fluid levels or a dark, tarry appearance can indicate contamination or leaks. Lastly, check for any signs of corrosion on the brake calipers or discs, especially if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, as standing brake systems can lead to binding and reduced braking performance.