2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AV09 HCG

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 18 March 2025 with no defects recorded. However, a review of the historical data reveals a concerning trend of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. The vehicle has failed its MOT test every single year since 2022, with failures ranging from critical braking system malfunctions to basic lighting faults. This pattern suggests that the previous keeper has likely only addressed mechanical issues when forced to by a test failure, which increases the risk of overlooked wear and tear on components not specifically flagged by an inspector. The recorded mileage of 109,257 miles over a seventeen year period equates to an average annual usage of approximately 6,427 miles. This is considered typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests a moderate duty cycle. While the mileage is not excessively high, it is sufficient to have caused significant wear on primary consumables, including suspension bushings, engine mounts, and drivetrain components. Prospective buyers should anticipate that many of the vehicle's original rubber components and seals may be reaching the end of their natural service life. Particular attention must be paid to the braking system, which has been a recurring point of failure. The history shows repeated hydraulic leaks from the nearside rear wheel cylinder and multiple failures regarding parking brake efficiency and adjustment. During a test drive, you should feel for any sponginess in the brake pedal or a lack of firm resistance in the handbrake lever. Listen for any grinding or shuddering during deceleration, which would indicate that the previously noted pitted and scored brake discs have not been replaced. Ensure the vehicle holds firmly on a steep incline to verify the parking brake is now fully operational. Further inspection should focus on the chassis and suspension. The records indicate previous serious corrosion of the Macpherson strut mountings and deterioration of the suspension arm ball joint dust covers. You should listen for any clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces, as these are symptoms of worn strut tops or failing ball joints. Given the previous advisory regarding underbody corrosion and a central coolant leak, a thorough visual inspection of the underside for structural rust and a check of the coolant reservoir for signs of contamination or residue is strongly recommended to ensure long term viability.