2009 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · VE59 TMV

Chronic suspension deterioration and persistent exhaust corrosion define the mechanical history of this vehicle, with a trend toward more severe failures in recent years. While the car passed its last MOT on 28 October 2025, this followed a failure involving a fractured offside front coil spring, a leaking offside rear shock absorber, and faulty lighting. The record reveals a long-term pattern of wear, specifically regarding the nearside front suspension arm bush which has been flagged as worn since 2020, and an exhaust silencer that has been noted as corroded in nearly every test since 2020. The recorded mileage of 50,754 miles is notably low for a seventeen year old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,986 miles per year. Such low annual accumulation often results in different wear patterns than high-mileage vehicles, frequently manifesting as the degradation of rubber components and the onset of corrosion due to prolonged periods of inactivity. This is evidenced in the records by the perishing of the offside rear tyre and the recurring corrosion of the exhaust system and brake hose ferrules. During a physical inspection and test drive, specific attention should be paid to the front suspension. Listen for knocking or creaking sounds when turning the steering wheel or driving over uneven surfaces, which would indicate the continued wear of the nearside front suspension arm bush. The stability of the rear should be assessed to ensure the recently replaced offside rear shock absorber is performing correctly and that there is no excessive bouncing. Additionally, the brake hose ferrules on the rear should be closely inspected for further corrosion beyond what was noted in 2024. The exhaust system requires a thorough visual check, as the silencer and back box have been flagged for corrosion across multiple years of testing. Listen for an increase in exhaust volume or rattling during acceleration, which would suggest the corrosion has progressed to a structural failure. Finally, the offside rear tyre should be examined for visible cracking or perishing on the sidewalls, as this remained an advisory point during the most recent pass in October 2025.