2002 Skoda Fabia diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Headlights2× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  21.1% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 4.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  12.2% All 2002 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  13.9% All 2002 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 3.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Suspension arm2.7× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  8.3% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  10.9% All 2002 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  44% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Driveshafts and joints
  10% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2002 Skoda Fabia diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?