2012 Fiat 2.3L Diesel · AU62 ABF

A pattern of intermittent wear in the front suspension is the defining mechanical characteristic of this Fiat, with the most recent MOT on 12 May 2026 returning a clean pass but only a year earlier, on 23 April 2025, the same components drew both advisory and failure attention. That single failure was triggered by an inoperative nearside side repeater lamp, a minor lighting defect, but the accompanying advisory flagged wear in both the nearside and offside rearward bushes of the front lower suspension arms. The intervening tests on 28 April 2023 and 23 May 2024 were both passed without recorded defects, demonstrating that the car has generally maintained roadworthy status throughout its recorded test history. With only one failure in four tests, none of which was structurally significant, the overall trajectory appears stable rather than deteriorating, though the recurrence of the suspension arm bush advisory after a clean year warrants close attention. At 42,831 miles across approximately fourteen years of service, this vehicle has accumulated only around 3,000 miles annually, a notably low figure that reflects either limited use, extended periods off the road, or a combination of both. Such low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and brake components but places greater emphasis on the condition of items that degrade through age rather than use. Rubber suspension components, drive axle boots, coolant hoses, brake hydraulic seals, and underbody protection are particularly susceptible to perishing and drying when a vehicle covers very few miles each year, and any prolonged standing periods would accelerate this ageing process regardless of odometer readings. Given that the only recorded mechanical advisory specifically involves rubber suspension bushes, this age-related deterioration pattern appears to be exactly what is beginning to manifest in the recorded test data. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be a thorough assessment of the front suspension geometry and the condition of the rearward bushes on both lower arms. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, particularly over broken tarmac where worn bushes allow excessive lateral movement. With the vehicle stationary and unweighted, attempt to prise or lever the rearward bush area of each front lower arm by hand or with a suitable tool to feel for play; worn bushes typically allow visible movement between the arm and its mounting. Pay particular attention to any deterioration in straight-line stability or vagueness through the steering wheel, which can indicate that bushing wear has progressed beyond what was recorded at the last advisory. Also inspect the nearside side repeater lamp operation carefully, as a repeat of the previous lighting failure would be straightforward but should not occur on a recently serviced vehicle. Beyond the suspension, several age-related items warrant a physical inspection given the low mileage profile. Examine the underbody, subframe mountings, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion, particularly in wheel arch inner surfaces and along exposed chassis rails where road salt can accumulate. Check the condition of the drive shaft boots for any splits or perishing, as these rubber covers deteriorate regardless of mileage. Inspect all visible coolant and heater hoses for signs of hardening, cracking, or weeping at joint faces, and verify the brake fluid colour and date, as fluid older than two years should be considered for renewal. Finally, confirm that the vehicle has been regularly run during any periods of low use, as long-standing cars frequently present with seized brake calipers, flat or degraded auxiliary batteries, and stiff linkages that only become apparent during a physical inspection rather than from the MOT record alone.