2004 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · LJ54 ATX

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness status, though the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive care. The most recent test in December 2022 at 67,620 miles passed with no defects, following a minor failure just five days prior due to a non-functional windscreen washer. Given that the current date is July 2026, the vehicle is over three years overdue for its annual inspection, which raises significant concerns regarding the current state of its mechanical and safety components. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 22-year-old car, averaging approximately 3,000 miles per year. There is a notable gap in usage between October 2021 at 56,478 miles and December 2022 at 67,620 miles, where the vehicle covered over 11,000 miles in fourteen months. This low-frequency use pattern often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components and accelerated corrosion, which is consistent with the recurring structural issues noted in the record. A buyer must focus inspection on the suspension and braking systems, as these have shown persistent failure points. The 2016 test flagged all four coil springs as corroded and identified deteriorated ball joint dust covers and bushes, while 2018 showed continued corrosion on the front springs. The braking system has a history of instability, including a 2020 failure for imbalanced rear brakes and insufficient parking brake efficiency, as well as a 2019 failure caused by a seized nearside rear brake slack adjuster and a seized brake caliper. The exhaust system also requires a thorough check for structural integrity, as the record notes leaks and missing clamps dating back to 2015 and 2018. Additionally, the oil leak noted in 2020 should be monitored to ensure it has not worsened into a significant fault. Because the car has sat without an MOT for several years, the condition of the tyres must be scrutinized for perished rubber, as previous tests already identified structural cracking and tearing in the rear tyres.