2016 Fiat 124 1.4L Petrol · AV66 FJC

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 4 September 2025 with two advisories recorded. One relates to deteriorated rear registration plate condition, a cosmetic matter unlikely to affect roadworthiness, while the other flags play in both side rear suspension rose bushes, a more mechanically significant point. Reviewing the broader test history, the 2016 FIAT 124 has passed every annual assessment since 2019 with no recurring dangerous or major failures except for a single dangerous brake pad finding in September 2022, which was rectified prior to that same test re-presentation on the same day. The pattern of advisories, however, shows a gradually worsening trend at the rear suspension, with rose bush play first noted as slight in 2022, progressing to specific upper and lower component wear in 2024, and now recorded as play in both sides by 2025. This escalation indicates progressive deterioration rather than resolution and should be treated as a maintenance item approaching replacement. The recorded mileage of 46,115 miles over a ten year period equates to an annual average of around 4,612 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age and well below typical usage rates of 6,000 to 8,000 miles per year. Such low annual mileage can suggest a mix of light running and periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Light use tends to prolong component life on wear items such as the clutch and drivetrain but accelerates calendar-based degradation in items like brake fluid, coolant, and the 12 volt battery, while extended standing periods can promote corrosion on brake discs, sticking or binding calipers, and dry rot in rubber components such as tyres, bushes, and seals. There are no significant mileage gaps visible across the MOT history, suggesting consistent albeit modest use year on year. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension rose bush advisories warrant close attention. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocking over uneven road surfaces and speed humps, particularly at low speeds, and check for vagueness or shimmy through the rear axle. Inspect the bushes visually for cracking, perishing, or visible displacement in the mounting housings, as these components typically require replacement once play develops. Given the recurring inner edge tyre wear noted on the nearside and offside fronts across multiple tests, alignment and suspension geometry should be checked, as consistent inner edge wear often points to camber issues or worn suspension links. With the previous dangerous brake pad finding in 2022, inspect the front discs and pads directly, looking for scored or lipped discs, uneven pad wear, and confirm caliper slide pins are free and the calipers are not binding. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and low mileage profile demands attention to time-based deterioration. Tyres more than five years old should be examined for sidewall cracking, perishing, and DOT date codes, even if tread depth remains legal, as the rubber compound hardens with age. Check the 12 volt battery under load and verify its age, as low mileage vehicles often suffer from battery failure due to insufficient charge cycles. Confirm that brake fluid and coolant have been changed within their manufacturer recommended intervals, typically every two to three years for brake fluid and every four to five years for coolant, as these degrade chemically regardless of mileage. Finally, lift the vehicle or use a torch to inspect the underbody and exhaust system for surface corrosion, given the Fiat 124's convertible body style and the exposure of underfloor components to moisture and road salt, and ensure the rear registration plate is intact and legible to avoid future advisory issues.