2015 Fiat Auto Trail 2.3L Diesel · WA15 AOL

The current roadworthiness of this vehicle is fair but requires immediate attention to the braking system. The most recent MOT on 13 April 2026 at 26,454 miles resulted in a pass, yet the tester flagged a lagging nearside rear parking brake and marginal parking brake efficiency. This indicates a recurring mechanical weakness, as a similar issue with parking brake efficiency was previously documented in the May 2022 test. While the vehicle successfully passed its intervening inspections, the persistent nature of this brake deficiency suggests that the underlying cable or caliper mechanism has not been fully resolved through permanent repair. With an average annual usage of approximately 2,405 miles over its eleven-year lifespan, the vehicle has clearly experienced long periods of inactivity. This low-mileage profile is consistent with the recorded data, which shows a significant gap between the 2018 and 2019 tests and a very slow accumulation of mileage thereafter. Such limited use often leads to accelerated degradation of rubber components and seals, a pattern clearly evidenced by the repeated advisories regarding tyre sidewall perishing and cracking that appeared consistently from 2019 through to the major failure in May 2023. Prospective buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, specifically the rear parking brake cables and calipers, to ensure they operate smoothly and provide balanced stopping power. Given the history of tyre perishing, verify the current date codes on all four tyres to confirm they have been replaced since the 2023 failure. The previous failure also noted electrical wiring proximity to hot or rotating parts, so check that all under-chassis cabling is correctly secured and free from heat damage. While the structural integrity appears sound based on the lack of corrosion advisories, the vehicle's history of standing for long durations necessitates a close look at all flexible hoses and suspension bushes for signs of age-related cracking.