2020 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · AV70 LFN

With three consecutive MOT passes recorded at the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tests and not a single advisory, defect or failure logged against the vehicle across the entire DVSA testing history, this 2020 FIAT 500 presents an unblemished roadworthiness profile. The most recent pass on 12 June 2025 confirms that condition had not deteriorated in the intervening twelve months, and the absence of any flagged items across all three examinations suggests the car has either been very lightly stressed, conscientiously maintained between tests, or simply not used hard enough to expose wear items to the MOT thresholds. For a six-year-old vehicle, a fully clean record of this kind is reassuring but not conclusive on its own, as some progressive mechanical concerns on small Italian city cars of this generation tend to develop quietly between tests. The recorded odometer reading of 35,953 miles against a six-year age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,992 miles, which sits firmly in the low-mileage bracket for a petrol city car of this era. There are no apparent gaps between annual tests and no anomalies in the recorded mileages to suggest clock irregularities or extended periods off the road. Mechanically, this pattern points to modest wear on the engine, clutch, transmission and braking consumables, but it also means the car has spent significant stretches either stationary or used only for short trips. Short-duration urban running can leave moisture and unburnt fuel in the oil, allow the exhaust system to corrode from the inside out due to condensation never being burnt off, and cause the 12V battery to spend long periods in a partially discharged state, all of which are worth probing even on a car with a clean paper record. Given that the MOT history itself flags no specific components, the test-drive and inspection focus should fall on the areas most likely to have aged rather than worn on a low-mileage example of this FIAT 500. On the road, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly around the front wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links and bottom arm bushes, as these items perish with age on dry-stored cars regardless of mileage. Feel for vibration through the steering wheel under gentle braking, which can indicate warped front discs or a binding caliper that has seized during periods of infrequent use, and check for any pulling to one side that might suggest a sticking brake piston or uneven pad transfer. Inspect the underside carefully on a ramp for surface corrosion along the exhaust downpipe and rear silencer, examine the rear brake calipers for seized mechanisms, and look for any oil misting around the engine and gearbox seams. Inside the cabin, verify that the cooling fan operates correctly on a hot start, that the clutch bite point is firm and high rather than slipping, and that the infotainment and climate control function without intermittent faults, as electrical gremlins are common on this generation of FIAT 500. Check all fluid levels on a cold engine with the car level, paying particular attention to coolant condition and brake fluid clarity. Finally, confirm the tyre ages by inspecting the DOT stamp on each sidewall, as the original fitments may be approaching six years of age and the rubber compound will have hardened regardless of remaining tread depth. With the MOT record offering no clues as to where problems might lurk, a thorough mechanical inspection and a careful test drive covering these age-related concerns will be the most effective way to confirm the car is as solid as its paperwork suggests.