2009 Fiat Panda 1.1L Petrol · AV09 XMS

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 September 2025 resulted in a pass, although on the same date a previous attempt at the same test station recorded a failure due to a dangerous defect, namely that the front tyres had no visible tread pattern across their full width, falling well below the legal 1.6mm minimum and presenting an obvious immediate safety risk. The current pass is therefore contingent on the fitment of replacement tyres and should not be considered a wholly clean result. Looking at the broader pattern across the last several tests, the maintenance trend is one of slow but progressive deterioration rather than outright neglect. Advisories relating to underbody corrosion, Macpherson strut top mount wear, suspension arm bushes, coil spring corrosion, exhaust leaks and tyre wear have appeared repeatedly over the years, and although none have yet resulted in failure items, the cumulative picture suggests that several key wear-and-tear components are approaching the point where remedial work will be required in the near term. The recorded mileage of 102,833 miles over a seventeen-year life equates to an annual average of roughly 6,049 miles, which is broadly typical for a small city car of this type and age, particularly one likely used for short urban journeys. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileages between consecutive tests, suggesting steady, continuous use rather than long periods of standing or, conversely, unusually high annual accumulation. That said, sustained low-speed urban driving tends to accelerate certain wear patterns, particularly corrosion to underbody and suspension components, brake disc surface corrosion from infrequent sustained braking, and exhaust system degradation from short journeys that prevent the system reaching full operating temperature. The fact that the annual mileage is modest but the advisories consistently flag corrosion-related items reinforces the impression of a car used predominantly in stop-start conditions, which is consistent with this model’s typical operating environment. With the recurring Macpherson strut pin and bush advisories now present at both the front nearside and offside, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the top mount assemblies for any visible cracking, splitting or excessive radial play, and on a test drive should listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes. Such symptoms would indicate that the top mount bearings or pins have worn beyond the advisory threshold and require replacement. The persistent advisories concerning front suspension arm pins and bushes, together with front coil spring corrosion noted in 2021, should also be checked by hand for free play; a firm shove on each front corner while the vehicle is parked should produce a controlled, damped response rather than a metallic rattle. Given the previous dangerous tyre failure and the historic pattern of inner-edge and shoulder wear, the front axle geometry and wheel alignment should be verified, as uneven wear of this nature is often symptomatic of worn lower wishbone bushes or tracking irregularities. The 2022 advisories showing all four tyres at or close to the legal limit, the 2019 advisory for a nearside front tyre worn badly on the inner edge, and the dangerous tread-depth failure at the most recent attempt collectively suggest that this vehicle consumes tyres faster than average and may be hiding an underlying steering or suspension geometry issue. On inspection, all four tyres should be checked not only for current tread depth but also for age-related sidewall cracking or perishing, which is common on low-mileage urban vehicles of this vintage and can render a tyre unsafe even with adequate tread remaining. The exhaust middle-section corrosion flagged in 2022, combined with a minor rear exhaust leak advisory in 2024, indicates progressive system deterioration; on a cold start listen for any hissing or tapping from beneath the car, and check both the rear silencer mounting and the cat-back pipework for visible rust scale or weeping joints. Underbody corrosion, advised at the most recent test, warrants a thorough inspection on a ramp for any structural concern, with particular attention to the rear axle beam noted as corroded in 2021, as continued surface corrosion on a Panda of this age can progress towards load-bearing areas. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, a prospective buyer should verify the age and condition of the 12V battery, request evidence of recent cambelt or timing chain servicing appropriate to the Fiat 1.2 Fire engine intervals, confirm the service book stamps or digital history are continuous, and ensure all time-based fluid replacements, including coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil if applicable, have been carried out within their calendar intervals, as these items are not assessed at MOT but are essential to the long-term mechanical integrity of a seventeen-year-old vehicle.