2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · KY66 AAO

The 2016 Fiat 500’s latest DVSA MOT test on 2026-08-10 resulted in a passing grade, though it noted a minor fault with the near-side registration plate lamp inoperative, a common issue often rectifiable by a simple bulb replacement. Despite this, the overall maintenance history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories and major failures, particularly in the suspension and braking systems. The vehicle failed in 2023-09-13 with critical issues including near-side front shock absorber fluid leaks and excessively worn bushes on multiple suspension components, alongside thin brake pads and worn brake discs. These failures suggest a history of under-maintained suspension and brake systems, which could indicate either neglect or underlying structural wear that has not yet progressed to catastrophic failure. The fact that the vehicle has passed subsequent MOTs without similar major defects implies either partial repair of the original issues or that the remaining components are holding out, but the advisories from 2024-09-10—such as worn brake discs and an oil leak—highlight ongoing wear and potential long-term concerns. The recorded mileage of 79,061 miles for a vehicle aged ten years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,906 miles per annum, which is typical for a car of this age and class. This level of mileage does not necessarily indicate excessive wear if the vehicle has been used responsibly, but it does suggest that consumables like tyres, brakes, and fluids have been subjected to consistent use over time. The absence of significant mileage gaps could mean the car has been in regular service, potentially leading to more pronounced wear on drivetrain and suspension components. However, if the mileage accumulation was rapid in certain periods—such as during a period of high demand or seasonal driving—this could accelerate wear on suspension bushes, brake pads, and seals. The oil leak advisory from 2024-09-10 may also correlate with higher mileage, as engine oil changes and general maintenance are critical for preventing long-term damage to the crankcase and seals. Given the vehicle’s history of suspension and braking advisories, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and braking systems. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles from the front suspension, which could indicate worn bushes or failing shock absorbers. Check for uneven tyre wear patterns, particularly on the inner edges of the front tyres, which may suggest brake pad or disc issues. Inspect the brake discs for scoring, pitting, or excessive glazing, and test the braking performance for any signs of sponginess or reduced effectiveness, which could indicate warped discs or low brake fluid levels. Additionally, examine the suspension for signs of oil leaks around the shock absorbers, and check the oil level and condition in the engine bay to confirm whether the oil leak is active or merely a past concern. The near-side front shock absorber failure from 2023-09-13 suggests that the vehicle may benefit from a full suspension inspection, including the condition of the strut mounts, coil springs, and lower control arms. For the Fiat 500’s age and mileage, the buyer should also verify the condition of the tyres beyond the legal limits, as the 2024 advisory on inner tyre wear close to the legal limit may warrant further inspection. Check for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur even with low mileage if the tyres have been stored in poor conditions or exposed to prolonged heat. Inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle has been left standing for extended periods, as standing brake systems can cause disc corrosion or caliper binding. The battery should be tested for voltage and overall health, as older vehicles like this may struggle with cold starts or electrical systems if the battery is degraded. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, the engine oil and other fluids should be checked for signs of degradation, such as dark, gritty oil or milky coolant, which could indicate long-term engine wear or coolant contamination. It would also be prudent to review the service history for the brakes, suspension, and timing belt, as these are critical components that should be replaced at specified intervals to prevent failure. If the service book is missing, consider arranging a professional inspection to confirm the vehicle’s maintenance status.