2012 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · DU62 AAY

The 2012 Fiat 500 has maintained a clean MOT record since its most recent test on 2025-07-21, with no defects or advisories recorded at 73,787 miles. This suggests the vehicle has passed all mandatory checks for brakes, suspension, steering, emissions, and structural integrity without fail. The two consecutive failures in June 2024 and June 2023—both at identical mileages (59,058 and 69,034)—were unusual, as they occurred just 24 hours apart and without recorded defects, indicating possible administrative errors rather than mechanical issues. The subsequent tests in July of those years passed without incident, reinforcing that the car has likely been well-maintained since then. However, the proximity of the 2024 failures warrants scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven between tests or if the failures were procedural anomalies. The recorded mileage of 73,787 miles over 14 years—approximately 5,270 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 failures (just 1,000 miles apart) is notable, as it implies the vehicle was not driven between tests, which could explain why no defects were identified during those periods. The consistent July testing dates further suggest the car was likely stored or used intermittently rather than driven regularly. While low mileage generally indicates less wear on high-stress components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers, it also raises questions about fluid degradation (e.g., brake fluid, power steering) if the vehicle was left stationary for extended periods. Given the clean MOT history since 2023, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear suspension components, as the 2024 failures—if mechanical—might have targeted this area. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not preclude gradual wear in coil springs, subframe mounts, or rear bushings, which are common failure points in this model. Brake discs and calipers should be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle was driven through the 2024 failures. Corrosion in wheel arches, sills, or the subframe—often accelerated by prolonged storage—should also be assessed, as should the condition of the exhaust system for leaks or structural fatigue. Finally, the battery, fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering), and tyre tread depth (despite passing MOTs) should be verified, as these are consumables not always captured in test records. The lack of recurring faults in recent years is reassuring, but a thorough mechanical examination remains essential to confirm no hidden deterioration has occurred.