2013 Fiat Fiorino 1.2L Diesel · H15 NHN

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 April 2026 recorded a PASS, but this should be read in close conjunction with the failed test submitted just one day earlier on 21 April 2026, where the vehicle was presented with multiple major defects all of which must have been rectified for the subsequent pass. The majors recorded were a nearside front headlamp with an obviously incorrect projected beam image, an offside front headlamp lens seriously defective, and excessively worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joints at both the nearside and offside front. The fact that the vehicle passed the following day suggests the rectification work was carried out promptly, though a prospective buyer should be supplied with full invoices detailing the parts replaced and the labour undertaken, particularly for the headlamp units and the anti-roll bar drop links. Advisories raised at the April 2026 pass noted inner edge wear on both front tyres approaching the legal limit, indicating an ongoing geometry or suspension issue that has not yet been fully resolved despite the recent renewal of the anti-roll bar components. Looking at the wider MOT history, the maintenance trend displays elements of gradual deterioration rather than stable condition. The 2025 test raised an advisory for slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, which correlates directly with the excessive wear recorded as a major failure only eleven months later, demonstrating a progressive worsening of that component. The 2024 test advisory for offside front inner tyre wear, combined with the 2026 advisories for inner edge wear on both front tyres, suggests persistent misalignment or premature suspension bushing wear. Earlier advisories in 2023 included pitted and scored front brake discs at both sides, slightly worn upper shock absorber bushes on the nearside rear, and an excessively clean emissions reading, all of which point to a vehicle with age-related wear in its primary dynamic components. Recorded mileage of 73,485 miles over approximately thirteen years equates to an annual average of around 5,650 miles, which is well below typical usage for a small commercial-derived van such as the Fiat Fiorino. This lower-than-average mileage may reflect genuine light use, but it also raises the likelihood that the vehicle has spent extended periods standing, which can promote corrosion on brake discs leading to binding calipers, perishing and cracking of tyre sidewalls from age even where tread depth remains adequate, and degradation of time-sensitive fluids including brake fluid, coolant, and the 12V battery. Verification of service history stamps is therefore essential, with particular attention to whether brake fluid has been renewed on a calendar basis irrespective of mileage, and whether the cooling system has received scheduled attention given the vehicle's age. On a physical inspection and test drive, the buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension, listening for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces that might suggest the anti-roll bar drop links or bushes have not been renewed to a satisfactory standard, or that the upper wishbone bushes and coil springs themselves are worn. Front tyres should be examined for inner edge wear patterns and for signs of sidewall cracking from age, as the current tyres may already be close to the legal tread limit and due for replacement. Under braking, any shudder, vibration, or pulling to one side should be noted, as the previously pitted front discs may have been skimmed rather than replaced and could warp under heavy use. The headlights should be checked for correct beam pattern and for any condensation or lens deterioration, the shock absorber upper mount bushes inspected for movement, and a standing test performed for any binding or dragging at the front brakes. Finally, the 12V battery should be load-tested given its age, and the exhaust system, coolant hoses, and underbody components examined for corrosion commensurate with thirteen years of service.