2013 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AE63 NFG

The 2013 Fiat 500 presents a mixed but broadly stable maintenance picture as of its most recent MOT on 2 September 2025 at 64,815 miles. That test passed, yet it flagged a front lower oil leak, minor rear exhaust leakage, perished front tyres wearing on the inner shoulder, and widespread underbody corrosion noted as not weakened. The overall trend is neither clearly improving nor sharply deteriorating. Several issues recur across multiple years, particularly exhaust leaks, front tyre wear patterns, and corrosion, suggesting a vehicle that has been kept running but not always proactively repaired. The 2024 failure at 63,623 miles for worn suspension arm bushes, a serious nearside rear shock absorber fluid leak, and an insecure exhaust silencer was followed by a pass six days later, indicating corrective work was carried out promptly. That failure, however, exposed suspension wear consistent with a car that has seen use on poor surfaces despite its low mileage. At roughly 4,986 miles per year, this Fiat 500 has covered well below the UK average for a 13-year-old vehicle. The mileage record shows steady but modest accumulation, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps between tests. The 2022 test recorded 56,073 miles, the 2023 test 60,350 miles, the 2024 tests 63,623 miles, and the 2025 test 64,815 miles, confirming consistent annual use of around 3,000 to 4,300 miles. Such low mileage can preserve mechanical components but also means the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which accelerates rubber deterioration, corrosion, and fluid degradation. The recurring perishing of front tyres and persistent underbody rust advisories support that theory. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry. Repeated advisories for worn front suspension arm bushes in 2024, combined with chronic inner-edge tyre wear flagged in 2024 and 2025, point to possible tracking issues or degraded bushings that may not have been fully resolved. The front lower oil leak noted in 2025 warrants investigation, as it could stem from the crankshaft seal or oil pressure switch, common sources on this engine. The exhaust system has leaked at every test since 2022, with corroded clamps and a missing u-bracket in 2024, so the full exhaust should be checked for integrity and mounting security. Structurally, the record raises no immediate red flags for sub-frame or spring seat failure, but corrosion has been flagged consistently. The 2023 test noted corrosion on the central rear sub-frame and both front coil springs, while the 2025 test recorded multiple underbody components as rusty. None were deemed weakened at the time of testing, yet a 13-year-old city car with this pattern of corrosion warrants an underside inspection with a torch and probe, paying close attention to suspension mounting points, brake lines, and the rear sub-frame. Brake discs have worn gradually across the record, which is normal for the mileage, but the 2022 advisory for pitting suggests standing time may have contributed to surface corrosion. A test drive should confirm no judder or pull under braking.