2015 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · N700 EGG

The most recent MOT on 30 July 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the past two years the trend has shifted from a major failure on the off‑side front suspension arm bush in August 2024 to a series of advisories in July 2025 concerning rear shock absorber oil mist and slight play in the nearside front ball joint, before returning to a clean pass in 2026. This suggests that the major fault was addressed, but some wear on the suspension components remains and is being monitored rather than worsening dramatically. At 94 557 miles the Panda has logged roughly 8 600 miles per year since its 2015 registration, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a small city car. The mileage progression shows no large gaps that would hint at prolonged periods of inactivity, nor any spikes that would indicate unusually aggressive driving. Consequently the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and engine oil is likely to be consistent with its age rather than excessive, but the relatively modest annual mileage does not preclude age‑related degradation of rubber and metal components. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the rear shock absorbers on both sides for any signs of oil leakage or reduced damping, as the MOT advisories noted light misting of oil. Examine the nearside rear tyre for uneven inner‑shoulder wear, which can be a symptom of mis‑aligned rear suspension or worn bushings. The nearside front ball joint, flagged for slight play, should be checked for excessive movement when the wheel is rocked; any clunk or looseness under load could indicate that the joint is nearing the end of its service life and may need replacement. On a test drive listen for any thudding or squeaking from the rear corners during bumps, and feel for vague steering feedback that could betray a deteriorating front suspension arm bush. Given the car’s age, also verify the condition of the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry rot, especially if any tyre is more than three years old regardless of tread depth. Inspect the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and consider a load test, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Check the brake discs for surface rust or scoring and ensure the calipers move freely without binding, as standing periods can cause corrosion on the pistons. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and that the coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been replaced on a calendar basis, since fluids degrade over time even when mileage is modest.