2012 Fiat Qubo 1.2L Diesel · MM12 AAJ

Recurring exhaust system deterioration and suspension component failures dominate the mechanical history of this 2012 Fiat Qubo, which most recently passed its MOT on 4 December 2025 after an initial failure two days prior. The vehicle has accumulated a documented pattern of repeat advisories concerning tyre wear, exhaust emissions, and structural mountings, showing that certain maintenance items are addressed reactively at test time rather than proactively monitored. While the most recent test concluded with a pass, the persistent reappearance of defect notes across consecutive annual inspections points to chronic wear points that require close scrutiny. With an odometer reading of 73,582 miles accumulated over approximately fourteen years, the car averages roughly 5,256 miles annually, placing it well below the typical mileage expected for a diesel or petrol multi-purpose vehicle of this age. This lower annual mileage footprint can sometimes correlate with regular short-distance urban journeys, which place distinct thermal and mechanical loads on exhaust assemblies and emission control equipment. There are no concerning gaps or extended periods of statutory off-road status recorded in the testing cadence, indicating the vehicle has been presented for annual examination consistently despite its modest yearly usage. A prospective buyer must inspect the front suspension and exhaust system thoroughly during a physical examination, given the specific defects logged in the recent history. The offside front shock absorber was recorded with a serious fluid leak resulting in a test failure before being rectified, and previous tests noted light misting, meaning the entire front damper assembly, top mounts, and the offside front upper coil spring mounting corrosion should be checked for ongoing structural degradation. Listen carefully during a test drive for knocking or clunking noises from the front corners over uneven road surfaces, and verify that the steering tracks straight without pulling due to uneven tyre wear patterns previously noted on the inner edges. The exhaust system requires particular attention on inspection and during the road test, as multiple consecutive MOTs have cited a defective front mounting from the flexi-joint alongside advisories for excessive smoke or vapour emission, which reached a dangerous refusal level in late 2024. Check the integrity of the exhaust hangers and flexible coupling for excessive movement or blowing under load, and observe the exhaust output upon cold starting and acceleration for abnormal smoke. Additionally, inspect the nearside rear tyre for the cracking and perishing noted in the December 2025 test alongside both front inner tyre shoulders to budget for immediate replacements if tread depth or sidewall integrity is compromised.