2016 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · B12 OAP

The most recent MOT test on this 2016 Fiat Panda took place on 16 April 2026 and resulted in a pass, although the examiner recorded a minor defect for a damaged windscreen that does not currently impede the driver's view, alongside an advisory noting a cut on the offside rear tyre that has not penetrated to the cords. It is important to note that this pass came immediately after a failed test on the preceding day, which is highly significant for any prospective buyer. That failure cited major defects including a major exhaust gas leak at the front exhaust, an exhaust lambda reading outside specified limits following the second fast idle, and an insecure offside obligatory mirror, along with a flagged tyre pressure monitoring system fault. Looking at the broader trajectory, the vehicle's MOT record shows a clear deterioration in exhaust and structural integrity over the last two testing cycles. In April 2025, advisories were raised for a corroded engine sump, a minor exhaust leak at the flexi section, a corroded downpipe mounting, and a major failure was issued for an excessively worn bush on the offside rear shock absorber. While the 2024 and 2023 tests passed cleanly, the accumulation of exhaust advisories in 2025 culminating in outright exhaust failure in 2026 indicates a worsening maintenance trend that warrants close mechanical scrutiny. With a recorded mileage of 58,855 miles over approximately ten years, this Panda has covered an annual average of around 5,886 miles, which is notably low for its age and suggests periods of either light use or extended standing. Such low annual mileage typically implies less wear on major drivetrain components but increases the risk of age-related degradation in items that deteriorate with calendar age rather than use. Low-mileage examples commonly suffer from brake disc corrosion due to infrequent application, sticking or binding brake calipers from seized pistons, and brittle or perished components such as tyre sidewalls, coolant hoses, drive belts, and suspension bushes that harden through disuse. Given the recurring exhaust system advisories and failures documented since 2025, a prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the exhaust system, paying particular attention to the front section, the flexible joint, and the downpipe mounting, as corrosion in these areas is clearly progressing and will likely require imminent replacement. On a test drive, listen for any signs of exhaust leaks such as ticking or hissing sounds emanating from the engine bay, which would suggest a failing manifold gasket or pre-cat pipe, and note any illuminated engine management warning lights that could relate to the lambda sensor fault recorded previously. The excessively worn offside rear shock absorber bush flagged in 2025 should also be verified, as worn suspension bushes commonly produce clonking or knocking noises over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and they can lead to uneven or premature tyre wear. Additionally, inspect the engine sump for any signs of active oil seepage that could indicate the corrosion previously noted has progressed, and check the offside rear tyre closely for any sidewall cracking that would necessitate replacement regardless of tread depth. Beyond the flagged defects, the age and low-mileage profile of this vehicle demands careful attention to time-served components. Carefully inspect all four tyres for perishing or cracking on the sidewalls, as ten-year-old rubber loses flexibility and grip regardless of remaining tread depth, and verify the manufacturing date codes stamped on the sidewalls. Check the 12-volt battery for holding charge, as batteries that have stood for extended periods or are simply at the end of their service life frequently cause starting issues and electrical faults. Examine the brake discs on all corners for any surface corrosion, scoring, or pitting that may have developed during standing periods, which can lead to brake shudder under load. Confirm the service history and verify that essential time-based maintenance such as coolant, brake fluid, and timing or auxiliary belt replacement has been carried out within manufacturer schedules, as such items degrade through age rather than mileage. Finally, ensure that the insecure offside mirror noted on the recent failure has been properly secured and test the tyre pressure monitoring system to confirm the previously indicated fault has been rectified, as unresolved dashboard warnings can cause subsequent MOT failures.