2012 Fiat Punto 1.4L Petrol · DU62 AAE

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance profile, showing a recent trend of worsening mechanical attention despite an overall pass in the April 2024 test. While the car passed at 41,286 miles, the preceding failure on 4 April 2024 at 41,278 miles indicates significant neglect of essential components. The tester identified fractured front coil springs on both sides, a defective windscreen wiper, and a non-functional stop lamp. Although the April 12th pass cleared these specific failures, the presence of an insecure battery and a temporary fuel cap suggests that repairs are being carried out on a reactive, minimum-compliance basis rather than through proactive maintenance. The mileage history shows a very low usage pattern, averaging approximately 2,950 miles per year over its 14-year lifespan. This low annual mileage is evident in the jump from 6,393 miles in 2015 to 15,283 miles in 2016, and the relatively consistent, slow climb to the current 41,286 miles. Such low usage can lead to issues with components that rely on regular movement, such as seals and suspension elements. The gap between the January 2023 test at 37,679 miles and the April 2024 test shows a period of roughly 15 months with minimal driving, which aligns with the vehicle's profile of infrequent use. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension assembly. The failure of both front coil springs in April 2024 is a significant indicator of potential wear or age-related fatigue in the suspension system. You should check the condition of the strut mounts, as the 2022 test at 34,082 miles previously flagged noise from the offside front top strut mount. Inspect the battery mounting and the fuel cap mechanism to ensure they are permanent, secure replacements rather than the temporary solutions noted in the most recent records. Recurring issues with lighting, specifically the offside side repeater lens, suggest a pattern of minor electrical or trim neglect. The presence of low tyre wear on the inner and outer edges in the 2022 test implies previous alignment issues that should be re-verified. Given the low mileage and the age of the vehicle, check for signs of corrosion on the underside and ensure that rubber components like wiper blades and seals have not perished from long periods of inactivity.