2001 Skoda Fabia: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Skoda Fabia?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Skoda Fabia than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Headlights2.2× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  20.4% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.7% of all 2001 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  17.9% All 2001 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Number plates1.8× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  13.6% All 2001 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.8% of all 2001 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  12.3% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm2.6× usual
  Skoda Fabia

  8.3% All 2001 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2001 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2001 Skoda Fabia MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Skoda Fabia MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  43% 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
  34% 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
  22% 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
  14% 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 2001 Skoda Fabia

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 2.2× as often on the 2001 Skoda Fabia as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Skoda Fabia as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Skoda Fabia as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?