2015 Skoda Fabia 1.6L Diesel · YA64 YNT

The most recent MOT test on 25 June 2026 resulted in a pass, although three advisories were issued concerning the nearside and offside front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on the inner edge, and slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Looking back over the available DVSA history, the maintenance trend appears to be broadly stable, with passes recorded consistently since 2020 and a single fail in September 2023 that related to an excessively worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush and an ineffective windscreen wiper. The recurrence of front suspension component advisories across both the 2023 test and the 2026 test, however, suggests an ongoing wear pattern at the front axle that warrants close attention, even though nothing has yet tipped into a failure category. The recorded mileage of 56,684 miles over approximately eleven years equates to an average of around 5,150 miles per annum, which is considerably below the typical usage rate for a car of this age and likely indicates extended periods of standing or only occasional use. While low annual mileage is generally favourable for the engine, clutch and gearbox internals, it does present specific risks for a 2015 Fabia, including brake disc corrosion from infrequent use, binding calipers, tyre sidewall perishing and cracking from age rather than tread wear, and 12 volt battery degradation through repeated shallow discharge cycles. Any prospective buyer should be alert to the possibility that time-based degradation of fluids, rubber components and underbody protection may be more advanced than the modest odometer reading would suggest. Given the recurring advisories on the front suspension and the inner-edge tyre wear, a physical inspection should focus on the condition of the front lower suspension arms, the pin and bush assemblies, and the ball joints. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or looseness in the steering, particularly over undulating roads. The inner-edge tyre wear pattern noted at the 2026 test is often indicative of incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes allowing geometry to drift, or possibly a drooping or broken coil spring, so a four-wheel alignment check would be prudent alongside any suspension component renewal. The brake disc advisories from 2022 and the front brake pad advisories from 2020 and 2021 also indicate that a thorough check of pad material remaining, disc surface condition for lipping or corrosion ridges, and free movement of the caliper sliding pins would be sensible, particularly if the vehicle has been left standing between uses. Beyond the recorded advisories, a buyer of an eleven year old Fabia with low mileage should verify the service book stamps to confirm time-based servicing has been carried out regardless of mileage, particularly for items such as cambelt replacement, coolant, brake fluid and transmission oil. The exhaust condition advisory noted in 2023 should prompt an underbody inspection for rust, paying particular attention to the exhaust mounting rubbers, the rear silencer box and the catalyst section. Check the battery for date coding and consider a load test, examine all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking even where tread depth remains adequate, and inspect beneath the under tray for evidence of fluid leaks from the engine or transmission. Finally, confirm that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after ignition and that the air conditioning system functions correctly, as prolonged standing often leads to refrigerant loss and compressor seal deterioration in vehicles of this age.