2002 Skoda Fabia 1.9L Diesel · VO02 ETZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a persistent pattern of deferred repairs typical of a high-mileage older car. The latest test in February 2026 at 201,852 miles identified a new noisy offside rear wheel bearing and continued wear on nearside front lower suspension arm bushes. While the car passed, the recurring nature of advisories across the last three years suggests that components are only addressed once they approach failure limits, rather than through a preventative maintenance schedule. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 24-year-old vehicle averaging approximately 8,400 miles per year. There was a significant gap of 10,810 miles between February 2023 and March 2024, followed by another 12,000 miles between March 2024 and March 2025. This steady accumulation indicates the car is used regularly, though the high total distance of over 200,000 miles has clearly placed significant stress on the rubber-based suspension components and drivetrain assemblies. A buyer must pay close attention to the front suspension geometry, as the lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar bushes have been flagged in almost every test since 2023. The failure in 2024 due to an excessively worn ball joint and a severely deteriorated CV boot indicates that the front end is reaching a stage requiring component overhaul. The non-excessive oil leak noted in early 2026 also requires a physical inspection to determine if the source is a simple seal or a developing gasket failure that could worsen. The braking system shows signs of age and neglect, with pitted discs noted in 2023 and thin pads flagged in 2025. Given that front brake hoses were flagged for deterioration in 2024, these should be checked for cracking or internal bulging. Considering the age and mileage, a thorough check of the chassis for structural corrosion is also essential, as the record focuses primarily on mechanical wear rather than the underlying structural integrity.