2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AP65 DVG

The most recent MOT, carried out on 30 September 2025, was a pass but it carried three advisories – front brake disc wear, front‑tyre tread approaching the legal limit and light oil misting from both front shock absorbers. Earlier in the record a serious failure was recorded in November 2023 for excessively worn front lower suspension arm bushes and an excessively worn rear shock bush, yet the vehicle subsequently passed without defects in October 2024 and again in September 2025. The pattern therefore shows a clear improvement after the 2023 failure, with the current state being essentially road‑worthy but still showing signs of age‑related wear that merit close attention. At 81,886 mi the car averages roughly 8,200 mi per year, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a ten‑year‑old small city car. There are no periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest aggressive short‑term abuse, nor are there long gaps that would indicate prolonged storage; the mileage progression appears steady and consistent with ordinary daily driving and occasional longer trips. This moderate annual mileage means that consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension components are likely to be at a mid‑life stage rather than near the end of their design life, but the recorded wear on the front brake disc and tyre tread indicates that these items have already been heavily used. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension and braking system. Inspect the lower arm bushes for any looseness, play or cracked rubber, and verify that the front shock absorbers are free of oil seepage and do not produce a soft, squishy feel or excessive bounce when the car is driven over a speed bump. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking from the front corners, feel for any wandering of the steering wheel and check that the brake pedal feels firm with no pulsation, which would hint at disc thinning or warping. Measure the front brake disc thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum specification and be prepared to replace the discs if they are close to the limit; the tyre on the off‑side front should also be examined for tread depth and sidewall condition, and if the tread is within a few millimetres of the legal minimum the tyre will need replacing soon. Finally, verify that the windscreen wipers clear the glass effectively and that the washer system delivers an adequate spray, as the 2022 failure indicates a lingering weakness in that area. Beyond the specific items flagged in the MOT history, a ten‑year‑old vehicle warrants a thorough age‑related inspection. Check the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and confirm it holds charge, especially if the car has spent periods idle. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids – and look for signs of sediment or discoloration that would suggest overdue changes. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, particularly around the wheel arches, suspension mounts and exhaust system, and ensure there is no corrosion of brake lines or fuel pipes. Finally, assess the tyre sidewalls for cracking or hardening, which can occur even on low‑mileage tyres that have been stored for long periods, and confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and any required timing‑belt or chain service for a 2016 Fiat 500. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.