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GU53 VZJ

2003 Skoda Fabia

Grey Petrol 1198cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires26 Sep 2026
Tests35 (20 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate57.1%

Mileage

143,430 mi
Last recorded143,430 miles
Recorded on27 Sep 2025
Typical for 2003 Skoda Fabia65,642 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationGU53 VZJ
MakeSkoda
ModelFabia
Year2003
ColourGrey
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,198cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

20 pass 15 fail
Pass 27 Sep 2025 143,430 miles
Fail 24 Sep 2025 143,430 miles

Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Front Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Pass 27 Sep 2024 140,284 miles

Driver's interior door handle defective

Offside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Top mount (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Rear Exhaust silencer corroded

Fail 26 Sep 2024 140,284 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 165/70/14, outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp lens seriously defective Emits white light to rear (4.2.1 (b))

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Driver's interior door handle defective

Offside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Top mount (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Rear Exhaust silencer corroded

Pass 23 Sep 2023 136,189 miles

hand brake lever has slight travel

Fail 23 Sep 2023 136,180 miles

Front Position lamp not working both (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

hand brake lever has slight travel

Pass 20 Sep 2022 132,880 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Light cluster damage but not effecting function

Rear bumper damage

Fail 15 Sep 2022 132,865 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Light cluster damage but not effecting function

Rear bumper damage

Pass 14 Sep 2021 131,242 miles
Fail 12 Sep 2021 131,242 miles

Front Headlamp lens seriously defective Both front, reducing light output (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Front Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 8 Sep 2020 130,073 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 8 Sep 2020 130,073 miles

Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 11 Sep 2019 129,048 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Fail 3 Sep 2019 129,048 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords damaged (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Pass 20 Sep 2018 127,894 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front both headlamp lenses deteriorated and images faint

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 3/4mm (5.2.3 (e))

Rear exhaust badly corroded

Rear n/s/r and o/s/r shock absorber dust boots broken

Fail 19 Sep 2018 127,885 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Front both headlamp lenses deteriorated and images faint

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 3/4mm (5.2.3 (e))

Rear exhaust badly corroded

Rear n/s/r and o/s/r shock absorber dust boots broken

Pass 19 Sep 2017 126,513 miles

Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside rear parking (secondary) brake imbalance requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.6b)

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases silencer porous (7.1.2)

Pass 13 Sep 2016 125,110 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Fail 9 Sep 2016 125,110 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter insecure to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Pass 22 Sep 2015 123,683 miles
Fail 22 Sep 2015 123,682 miles

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Pass 9 Sep 2014 121,748 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

nearside qand offside rear bump stops split

Fail 6 Sep 2014 121,748 miles

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

nearside qand offside rear bump stops split

Pass 24 Sep 2013 119,422 miles
Fail 20 Sep 2013 119,374 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Engine management light on - Lambda high

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 21 Sep 2012 112,991 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Pass 23 Sep 2011 106,484 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

air filter case rattling

light corrosion to front brake discs

wiper blade rubbers hard and squeek

Fail 23 Sep 2011 106,484 miles

light corrosion to front brake discs

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

air filter case rattling

wiper blade rubbers hard and squeek

Pass 20 Sep 2010 98,018 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

slight lip on both front brake discs

squeel from front brakes

Fail 20 Sep 2010 98,018 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

slight lip on both front brake discs

squeel from front brakes

Pass 24 Sep 2009 88,530 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Pass 15 Sep 2008 78,248 miles
Pass 19 Sep 2007 67,332 miles
Fail 19 Sep 2007 67,332 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

tyre size = 165/70/14 T

Pass 25 Sep 2006 56,302 miles

How Reliable is the Skoda Fabia?

Based on 4,863,673 MOT tests across 365,048 vehicles.

76.0%
Pass Rate
5,664
Miles/Year
26
Year Lifespan
365,048
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 104,456
Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement 68,301
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 61,646
Stop lamp not working 51,458
position lamp(s) not working 39,215
Full Skoda Fabia reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

GU53 VZJ is a 2003 Skoda Fabia in Grey with a 1,198cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.1%.

Across all 2003 Skoda Fabia models, the average MOT pass rate is 72.1% with a typical mileage of 65,642 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Skoda Fabia fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 104,456 recorded failures. If you're considering buying GU53 VZJ, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Skoda Fabia typically stays on UK roads for around 26 years. At 23 years old, this Skoda Fabia is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of GU53 VZJ?

You can check the full history of GU53 VZJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was GU53 VZJ registered?

GU53 VZJ is a 2003 Skoda Fabia, first registered on 4 September 2003.

Is GU53 VZJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for GU53 VZJ shows 35 tests with a 57.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does GU53 VZJ have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on GU53 VZJ. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.