2009 Fiat Bravo 2.0L Diesel · HY09 XRR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive care. While the most recent test in November 2024 at 159,624 miles passed with only a minor worn nearside rear coil spring and a slight oil leak, the preceding years were marked by repeated failures. The record shows a trend of allowing safety-critical items like bald tyres and lighting faults to persist until testing day, suggesting the owner only addresses mechanical issues when forced to do by an MOT failure. The mileage profile is consistent with a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,400 miles per year. The car progressed from 119,043 miles in November 2020 to 159,624 miles by late 2024, showing steady usage without long periods of abandonment. The gaps in mileage reflect roughly 40,000 miles covered over that four-year span. This consistent accumulation suggests the vehicle has been used regularly, though the high mileage means that rubber components and suspension parts are subjected to significant natural age-related wear. A buyer must scrutinise the structural integrity of the subframe, as corrosion was flagged on both the front and rear sections in 2022 and 2023. Although it was deemed not seriously weakened at the time, rust on these components is often progressive and requires close inspection for thinning. The suspension system also warrants attention; the offside front shock absorber showed oil misting in 2020 and 2023, and a worn coil spring was noted in 2024. These indicators suggest the front suspension is nearing the end of its life. The braking history shows frequent neglected maintenance, with thin pads, scored discs, and deteriorated brake hoses appearing across multiple years. A prospective buyer should check the service history to confirm if the oil leak noted in 2021 and 2024 was ever rectified or if it persists. Furthermore, the electronic stability control warning lamp which failed in 2022 and 2023 needs to be verified to ensure the fault was properly cleared and not merely ignored. Given the recurring issues with windscreen damage and defective lenses, a thorough visual check of all exterior glass is essential before purchase.