2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AP65 EVK

A pattern of front suspension wear and rear coil spring corrosion has quietly defined this Fiat's MOT record over the past few years, and that is the most relevant mechanical takeaway for any prospective buyer. The 2025-09-08 test resulted in a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting the vehicle was roadworthy at that point, but the history shows the car has not always been so tidy. At the 2022-09-03 test, advisories were issued for a nearside front suspension arm rear bush debonding from the arm and an offside front suspension arm ball joint with slight play, followed by a failed test on 2023-08-19 for tyre wear alongside further advisories on both rear coil springs being corroded. By the 2023-08-30 retest, the tyres had been addressed but the coil spring corrosion advisories remained. The trend since then is stable rather than worsening, with two subsequent passes and no further advisories recorded, although the underlying components flagged previously have not been formally re-examined in the data available. Given the nature of suspension component deterioration, however, those parts are unlikely to have improved with time and mileage. Recorded mileage of 67,029 miles over approximately eleven years equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,094 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests neither long periods off the road nor particularly heavy use. The MOT history shows no significant testing gaps, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2022 through 2025, indicating the car has remained in regular use throughout its recent life. This steady, moderate mileage pattern is mechanically reassuring in that it avoids the worst risks of extended standing, such as seized brakes, perished rubber components, and flat-spotted tyres, while also not placing excessive wear on the clutch, drivetrain, or braking consumables. The absence of any recorded mileage anomalies or large jumps between tests further supports a consistent usage profile. The advisories recorded should be the primary focus of any physical inspection or test drive. With both rear coil springs previously flagged as corroded, it is important to inspect them visually for advanced surface rust, pitting, or any sign of cracking, and to listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, as corroded springs can fail suddenly. The front suspension components flagged in 2022, namely the rear bush of the nearside suspension arm and the offside arm ball joint, should be checked for renewed play, and any knocking, clonking, or vague steering response over rough roads should be treated as a red flag. Tyre wear should also be examined closely, given that all four tyres were flagged at the 2023 test, and uneven wear across an axle may point to alignment or suspension geometry issues linked to the worn components previously identified. The exhaust advisory from 2022, describing a minor leak at the front joint, is worth confirming has been resolved or remains only a minor issue, as exhaust leaks can produce ticking noises on cold starts and may worsen over time. On a test drive, listen for any exhaust drone, ticking under acceleration, or fumes entering the cabin, and check the underside for black soot deposits around joints. Beyond these specific items, the general absence of brake, lighting, or corrosion advisories in recent tests is a positive indicator, though a thorough inspection of the brake discs and pads, handbrake operation, and any underbody corrosion around the subframe and brake pipes would be prudent given the age and known suspension component wear. Overall, the vehicle presents as roadworthy on its most recent test but carries a documented history of suspension and tyre issues that warrant close physical scrutiny before purchase.