2012 FIAT 500 C0.9L Petrol

The vehicle shows a history of deteriorating structural and mechanical condition that requires significant attention. While it passed its most recent MOT in December 2025 at 89,718 miles, this followed a major failure just two weeks prior. That November 2025 failure revealed critical safety issues, specifically the offside rear sub-frame being seriously weakened by corrosion alongside corroded spring cups. The tester also identified an insecure steering rack gaiter and a failed parking brake system. The progression from minor corrosion to serious structural weakness in the sub-frame suggests that the underbody components are reaching the end of their effective life. At 89,718 miles over 14 years, the car averages roughly 6,400 miles per year, which is consistent with typical light usage. However, the record indicates a consistent pattern of neglected basic maintenance and deferred repairs. Between 2021 and 2025, the vehicle repeatedly failed or was advised for front tyres worn to the legal limit with uneven edge wear, suggesting persistent alignment issues or delayed tyre replacement. The recurring presence of steering rack inner joint play and deteriorated CV boots across multiple years indicates that front-end components have not been proactively addressed until failure. Braking performance is a recurring point of concern. The 2024 and 2025 tests both highlighted imbalanced rear brakes and a parking brake that only just met or failed requirements. This trend often points to sticking calipers or a lack of proper mechanical adjustment. Furthermore, the 2025 failure due to an inoperative engine management light and high exhaust lambda readings suggests potential issues with emissions-related components that may not be fully resolved. A buyer should prioritize a structural inspection of the sub-frame and a full diagnostic of the braking and steering systems before proceeding.