2015 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · WM64 XMP

The most recent MOT test on 2026-01-06 resulted in a failure due to critical issues with both front drive shaft constant velocity (CV) joint boots being compromised, allowing ingress of contaminants that compromise the joint’s lubrication and integrity. This marks a significant deterioration from the clean MOT results of December 2024, where no mechanical defects were recorded, and the vehicle passed without advisories. The previous failure in December 2025 highlighted exposed tyre cords on the near-side front inner tyre, indicating severe wear beyond the legal limit, which was not present in the 2023 and 2022 tests. The recurring advisories on tyre wear—particularly the rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and the inner front tyre failing in 2025—suggest a pattern of either aggressive driving or underinflation, which accelerates tread degradation. The CV joint issues, while not directly related to tyre wear, underscore a broader problem with drivetrain maintenance, as the boots failing prematurely may signal underlying wear in the CV joints themselves or inadequate lubrication. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 105,355 miles over approximately nine years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 9,578 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical UK driving patterns for a car of this age and model. However, the lack of a service history or clear maintenance records makes it difficult to determine whether the mileage accumulation was gradual or if there were periods of prolonged inactivity, which could have led to standing corrosion or fluid degradation. The CV joint boots failing at this stage—particularly given the CV joints are known to degrade over time with exposure to moisture and contaminants—may indicate that the vehicle was either driven heavily or stored in an environment that accelerated wear. Tyre wear advisories, especially the exposed cords on the inner front tyre, suggest either underinflation or excessive braking, both of which can accelerate tread loss and compromise handling stability. Given the critical CV joint boot failures and exposed tyre cords, the buyer must prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the drivetrain, particularly clunking or grinding sounds from the CV joints when turning, which could indicate joint failure or binding. Inspect the CV boots visually for any signs of cracking or oil leaks around the joints, and check for excessive play or vibration in the steering wheel that may correlate with CV joint wear. The exposed tyre cords on the near-side inner front tyre necessitate immediate replacement, as this condition is not only unsafe but also indicative of deeper issues with tyre management. Additionally, verify that the CV joints are properly lubricated and that there are no signs of excessive play or binding, as this could lead to further drivetrain damage if left unaddressed. For the remaining components, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the vehicle’s structural integrity, focusing on the rear axle housing for signs of delamination, which was noted in the 2021 MOT. Check for any corrosion on the exhaust system, particularly around the rear back box, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to structural failure. Inspect the front brakes for signs of excessive heat warping, binding calipers, or corrosion on the discs and pads, as the advisories on worn discs suggest potential issues with heat dissipation or misalignment. Given the age and mileage, the tyres should be replaced to meet legal limits, and the CV joint repairs or replacements should be addressed promptly to prevent further contamination of the drivetrain. Lastly, verify the condition of the 12V battery, as prolonged inactivity can lead to corrosion or failure, and ensure that all fluids—particularly the brake and coolant systems—are topped up and free from contamination, as fluid degradation can accelerate wear on seals and components.