2012 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AU62 PLJ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a concerning decline in mechanical oversight. While it passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 39,628 miles, it failed the test just three miles prior. This failure revealed critical issues including a worn brake pad, a broken exhaust flexi joint, and perished shock absorber bushes. The presence of slight free play in the steering rack on the subsequent pass indicates that the steering assembly is beginning to degrade, requiring close monitoring despite the low mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,830 miles per year. This low usage is evident in the progression from 32,995 miles in 2022 to 39,628 miles in 2025. However, such low mileage often leads to age-related rubber degradation rather than mechanical wear. The 2025 record confirms this with noted perishing and cracking on three tyres, a classic symptom of tyres drying out from disuse rather than lack of tread depth. A buyer must inspect the suspension and steering components thoroughly, as the worn shock absorber bushes have appeared consistently since 2022 and eventually led to a failure. The newly detected free play in the steering rack is a significant red flag that suggests internal components are nearing the end of their life. Additionally, the broken exhaust flexi joint should be inspected for heat damage or structural integrity, as these parts often cause vibration if ignored. Given the history of perished rubber, all four tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking regardless of remaining tread depth.