2012 Fiat 500 0.9L Petrol · BA08 ENG

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding deferred mechanical repairs. While the car passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 88,682 miles, the record reveals recurring suspension issues that were previously noted. The progression of the offside front drive shaft boot from a slight deterioration in October 2024 to a severe failure in 2025 suggests a pattern of only addressing components once they reach the point of failure. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,300 miles per year. There is a significant gap of over 16,000 miles between September 2023 and October 2024, which represents a period of higher usage compared to other intervals. However, the vehicle covered only 179 miles between the October 2024 and September 2025 tests, indicating that the wear on rubber components and suspension is due to age-related degradation rather than high mileage accumulation. A buyer must physically inspect the rear suspension closely, as the tester recently flagged corroded coil springs on both the offside and nearside. The previous September 2024 failure for an excessively worn front suspension arm ball joint indicates that the steering geometry is reaching the end of its service life. You should verify that the offside front drive shaft boot was actually replaced to prevent grease leakage and joint failure, and check that the airbag warning lamp, which caused a failure in 2023, was properly cleared and does not recur.