2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AP09 DZK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a clean pass in January 2026 at 144,696 miles. However, the maintenance history reveals a volatile trend of reactive rather than proactive care. The November 2024 failure was particularly severe, flagging multiple safety-critical defects across braking, suspension, and visibility. While the most recent test shows no immediate defects, the transition from a major failure to a clean pass suggests that the vehicle only receives attention when components reach the point of legal non-compliance. At 144,696 miles over 17 years, the car has averaged approximately 8,500 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a city car. There is a significant gap in data between the January 2022 test at 134,365 miles and the November 2024 failure, during which over 10,000 miles were covered without a recorded inspection. This rapid accumulation of mileage likely explains the accelerated wear observed on mechanical components like the ball joints and braking system noted in the late 2024 report. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear sub-frame, as the 2024 and 2025 records confirm ongoing corrosion. Although the tester noted structural rigidity was not reduced at the time, rust on Fiat components of this era often progresses rapidly if untreated. The braking system also requires close scrutiny. Given the history of imbalanced efficiency, low fluid levels, and spongy pedal travel in 2024, the buyer should check for fluid leaks and seized calipers that may indicate the previous repairs were superficial. The suspension shows a recurring pattern of wear, with anti-roll bar linkages and suspension arm ball joints failing in both 2022 and 2024. These components are high-wear items on this model, but their frequent failure suggests a lack of regular preventative maintenance. Furthermore, the previous record of exposed cords and uneven tyre wear in 2022 indicates that wheel alignment may have been neglected, potentially leading to premature tyre degradation. The buyer should verify the current condition of all rubber boots and joints before proceeding.