2002 Skoda Fabia petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Headlights2× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  21.1% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.6× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  25.2% All 2002 cars

  15.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Number plates1.8× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  13.8% All 2002 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Suspension arm2.4× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  7.3% 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.

• Link ball joint covers3.1× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  6.1% All 2002 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2002 Skoda Fabia petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  44% 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
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Brakes
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• 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.

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

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 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2002 Skoda Fabia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2002 Skoda Fabia petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?