2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · FA02 ABY

The latest MOT test on the 2016 Fiat 500 recorded a passing outcome with several persistent advisories, indicating a stable but slightly deteriorating maintenance profile rather than a sudden decline. The advisories on the front shock absorbers—both showing light oil misting—suggest mild hydraulic degradation, which is common in high-mileage vehicles but can worsen if ignored, potentially leading to reduced damping effectiveness and increased road noise or body roll. The fluctuating service brake condition on the offside front disc is a minor concern, likely due to uneven brake pad wear or slight caliper binding, which may cause a subtle pulsation or vibration when braking hard, particularly at higher speeds. The worn suspension arm bushes on both near and offside sides, though not excessive, indicate cumulative stress from low-mileage usage or prolonged standing, which can accelerate further deterioration if not addressed. The rear tyre cracking and minor exhaust leak advisories are also recurring, reflecting either prolonged static storage or infrequent use, which can exacerbate tyre perishing and exhaust component corrosion over time. The recorded mileage of 29,899 miles for a vehicle aged ten years represents an unusually low annual usage rate of around 2,990 miles per year, which is far below the typical expectations for a car of this age and model. Such low mileage often correlates with periods of prolonged standing, either due to infrequent use or storage conditions that can accelerate wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and fluids. The rear tyres showing signs of cracking or perishing despite relatively low mileage are particularly concerning, as tyre perishing is more likely to develop from exposure to UV light, temperature fluctuations, and static storage rather than mechanical wear. This suggests the vehicle may have spent significant time without use, which can also lead to issues such as brake disc corrosion from standing, or potential fluid degradation in the cooling and hydraulic systems. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination are the suspension components, brakes, and tyres, given the recurring advisories. Start with the front suspension, checking for any signs of further bush wear or excessive play in the lower control arms, which could lead to clunking noises when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. Listen for any unusual suspension noises, such as rattling or creaking, which may indicate failing struts or bushings. The brake system should be inspected for binding calipers, corrosion on the discs, or uneven wear patterns that could suggest the pulsating advisory is worsening. Test the brakes by applying firm pressure at various speeds, noting any shuddering, sponginess, or reduced stopping power, which could indicate hydraulic issues or warped discs. Additionally, the tyres must be thoroughly examined for sidewall perishing, which is more prevalent in low-mileage vehicles stored for extended periods, as the rubber can dry out and become brittle. Check the tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear, which may indicate alignment or suspension issues. The exhaust system should be inspected for further corrosion or leaks, particularly around the clamp connections, as the minor leak noted in the last MOT could worsen with time. The vehicle’s battery should be checked for signs of corrosion or poor connections, especially if the car has been stationary for long periods, as standing corrosion can lead to poor starting performance. Finally, given the low mileage and potential fluid degradation, consider having the cooling system, brake fluid, and transmission fluid serviced, as these fluids can degrade over time even with minimal usage. It is also advisable to verify if the vehicle has any service records, particularly for the suspension and brake components, to ensure no maintenance was missed during its low-mileage ownership.