2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AM63 LAB

The most recent MOT test in January 2026 resulted in a pass, though it noted a mist of oil on the offside front shock absorber and corrosion on the exhaust system. When reviewing the overall maintenance trend, the vehicle maintained a clean record for several years but has shown a steady increase in chassis and suspension advisories since 2023. The transition from a defect-free history to recurring issues with brake discs and suspension bushes indicates that the vehicle is now entering a phase of age-related degradation, suggesting that maintenance requirements are increasing. The recorded mileage of 49,211 miles over approximately nine years is low, averaging roughly 5,468 miles per year. While this suggests limited wear on the engine and gearbox, low-usage vehicles are often prone to specific issues caused by standing or frequent short journeys. The MOT history supports this, as evidenced by multiple advisories for pitted and scored brake discs and perished tyre sidewalls, both of which are classic symptoms of a vehicle that has not been driven enough to keep the braking surfaces clean or the rubber compounds supple. During a test drive, the buyer should be alert for any shudder or pulsation through the brake pedal, which would confirm that the previously noted disc pitting has progressed. Particular attention must be paid to the front suspension; the buyer should listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel, as this would indicate further wear in the Macpherson strut mounts or bushes. The recent advisory regarding oil on the offside front shock absorber is a sign of a leaking seal, which can lead to compromised damping and should be visually inspected for wetness on the shock absorber body. Beyond the suspension, the buyer must carefully inspect the exhaust system for excessive scaling or holes, as the recent corrosion advisory suggests the system may soon require replacement. Given the low annual mileage, it is essential to check the date codes on all tyres to ensure they have not perished from age, regardless of the remaining tread depth. Finally, the service history should be scrutinized to confirm that engine oil and other critical fluids have been replaced according to calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, as fluid degradation over time can lead to internal engine sludge and premature component failure.