2014 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · YM14 XKB

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 August 2026, was passed, the only comment being an advisory that the off‑side front tyre has a superficial cut. Over the preceding three years the Fabia has shown a pattern of recurring faults – ABS and electronic stability control warnings in 2024 and 2025, front suspension arm bush wear in 2024, a missing front wheel fixing the same year, and a dangerous tyre tread depth and service‑brake binding issue in 2023. Although the latest test was successful, the history indicates that the vehicle has required significant remedial work and that the maintenance trend has been erratic, with recent repairs apparently addressing the most serious defects but leaving a number of advisory items still present. At 88 704 miles the car has logged roughly 7 400 miles per annum over its twelve‑year life, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of storage, but the relatively modest annual mileage means that many components have been subject to calendar ageing as much as to wear. Consequently, wear on rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone parts may be more advanced than mileage alone would imply, especially on items such as tyres, suspension bushings and the battery. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front axle assembly. Inspect both lower suspension arm bushes for play, cracking or excessive movement; any clunk or knock when pushing over bumps can betray worn bushings that were flagged as “excessively worn” in the 2024 MOT. Verify that the missing front wheel fixing has been correctly reinstated and that the wheel studs are torqued to specification. The ABS and ESC warning lights that have appeared repeatedly should be scanned with a diagnostic tool to confirm that the fault codes have been cleared and that the sensor wiring and control modules are sound – persistent faults will re‑fail an MOT and may affect braking stability, especially under hard deceleration. Examine the front brake discs and pads for uneven wear, scoring or glazing, and test the pedal for any binding or pulsation that could be a remnant of the 2023 service‑brake binding issue. Finally, both front tyres show side‑wall damage and a cut; measure tread depth on all four tyres and look for dry rot, cracking or bulges, as age‑related degradation can occur even on relatively low‑mileage tyres. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Check the 12‑volt battery for cranking voltage and any signs of sulphation, as a twelve‑year‑old unit may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid for discoloration, moisture or particulate contamination and consider a full fluid change if service stamps are absent or dated beyond the recommended intervals. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around suspension mounting points and under the wheel arches, and verify that the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive rust that could affect emissions compliance. A complete visual and tactile survey of the interior and exterior seals will also reveal any perishing rubber that could lead to water ingress, while a test drive that includes gentle braking, cornering and a short high‑speed run will help expose any lingering steering, suspension or brake anomalies before a purchase is finalised.