2008 Fiat Punto 1.2L Petrol · AP08 AAJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 June 2026 recorded a PASS, though a single advisory was issued for corrosion to the underside of the vehicle. This represents a broadly stable but slowly worsening maintenance trend when the full test history is reviewed. Across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 MOT entries, recurring advisories have accumulated, including a persistent front oil leak classified as not excessive, an exhaust gas leak noted in 2024 at both front and rear sections, uneven edge wear on both front tyres, perishing to an offside rear tyre, and corrosion affecting the nearside rear coil spring. The 2025 test resulted in a failure, although the specific failure items are not recorded here, and the subsequent re-test twelve days later passed with the advisories carried forward. The continuing presence of oil leakage, exhaust leakage and corrosion advisories over consecutive years suggests the underlying deterioration has not yet been rectified and warrants close inspection prior to purchase. The recorded mileage of 94,152 miles across approximately eighteen years equates to an annual average of roughly 5,231 miles, which is considerably below the typical usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. Such a low annual figure strongly indicates extended periods of standing or only occasional use, particularly given the consistent advisory pattern on fluid leaks, exhaust corrosion and chassis corrosion. Long periods of inactivity tend to accelerate calendar-based degradation of seals, gaskets, brake components and fluids, while exposing the underside to moisture and road salts without the protective benefit of regular driving heat cycles. Although the odometer figure is modest, the mechanical wear profile of this Punto is likely to reflect its age and standing time as much as its mileage, particularly in respect of corrosion, polymer components and lubrication systems. A prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection focused on age-related deterioration rather than high-mileage wear items. The underside corrosion advisory from the most recent test should be examined on a ramp or over a pit, paying particular attention to the floor pans, subframes, suspension mounting points and the nearside rear coil spring flagged previously, as progression here can compromise structural integrity and handling safety. All brake discs should be checked for severe surface corrosion, which is common on lightly used vehicles, and the calipers should be examined to ensure they are not seizing or binding due to lack of use, as this can cause uneven braking or pulling to one side. The front oil leak, noted across three consecutive MOTs, should be traced to its source, whether from the cam cover gasket, sump, or higher up the engine, and the condition of the exhaust system inspected for the gas leaks previously recorded, listening for escaping gases or hissing under load. Additional checks appropriate to this vehicle's age and low usage profile include a close examination of all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is a time-related failure mode rather than a wear issue, particularly given the offside rear tyre advisory from 2025. The 12-volt battery should be load tested, as batteries degrade with calendar age and prolonged standing, and the engine and gearbox fluids, including brake fluid, coolant and engine oil, should be confirmed as recently renewed regardless of mileage, due to chemical degradation over time. Rubber components such as suspension bushes, the steering rack gaiter, CV joint boots and coolant hoses should be inspected for perishing and brittleness. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, watch for pulling under braking, and observe whether the engine runs smoothly from cold, as these symptoms often emerge in older, low-mileage vehicles where seals and components have hardened with age.