2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · BC17 AAY

A pattern of minor but persistent MOT issues punctuates what is otherwise a largely clean record for this 2017 Fiat 500, with the most recent test on 27 April 2026 returning a pass with no advisories recorded. Across eight tests, the vehicle has passed outright on five occasions and failed twice, both times on relatively trivial items: windscreen washer non-function in April 2024 and ineffective front wiper blades in April 2025. The 2025 failure was followed the same day by a re-test pass once the wipers were addressed, and the same inspection flagged slightly worn bushes on both rear upper shock absorbers. The fact that the 2026 test returned no advisories suggests the rear shock bushes have not deteriorated further in the intervening twelve months, but their previous marginal state is worth monitoring, given that advisory items frequently progress to failure categories within one or two test cycles. The recorded mileage of 23,477 miles over nine years equates to roughly 2,600 miles annually, which is low for the vehicle's age and points to a usage profile dominated by short urban trips rather than sustained motorway driving. Annual mileage progression across the MOT entries is modest and broadly tracks the expected accumulation rate, with no sudden jumps or implausible gaps in the recorded odometer readings. Low annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on major drivetrain and exhaust components, but it does mean that items sensitive to prolonged standing such as brake discs, calliper sliders, and suspension linkages can suffer from surface corrosion and seized mechanisms. The rear shock bushes flagged in 2025 are consistent with this profile, as rubber components deteriorate through age and lack of use rather than purely through mileage accumulation. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension is the primary area to evaluate, given the worn upper shock absorber bushes recorded on both sides in 2025. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during direction changes, as worn upper bushes typically allow the shock absorber body to move within its mounting rather than remaining rigid. With the vehicle stationary, attempt to rock each rear wheel fore and aft at the three and nine o'clock position to detect play in the shock absorber mountings, and check visually under the wheel arches for any signs of cracking, splitting, or displacement of the rubber bushes. Also inspect the rear tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can indicate compromised suspension geometry from degraded bushings. Beyond the suspension, attention should be paid to the braking system, as the combination of low mileage and short journeys promotes corrosion on the disc surfaces and potential seizing of the calliper guide pins. On the road, the vehicle should be tested at low speed for any pulling to one side under gentle braking, and a series of moderate stops from around 30 mph should produce a firm, progressive pedal without vibration or judder through the steering wheel. Given the washer failure recorded in 2024, verify that the washer system operates correctly on both front and rear jets, and confirm the wiper blades sweep the full swept area without smearing or leaving unwiped zones near the A-pillars. Finally, given the vehicle's age, a thorough inspection underneath for any emerging corrosion on the subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and sill seams is advisable, even though no such defects have yet been recorded on the MOT history.