2016 Fiat Punto 1.2L Petrol · BK66 OXL

The 2016 Fiat Punto presents a stable and broadly reassuring roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT conducted on 31 March 2026 at 29,367 miles resulting in a pass. That said, the tester flagged advisories for both the nearside and offside rear tyres exhibiting damage, cracking, or perishing under item 5.2.3 (d) (ii). These are not dangerous failures, but they indicate the rubber has aged or suffered localised damage and will need monitoring or replacement soon. The underlying maintenance trend is essentially stable, with no escalating mechanical or structural failures appearing across successive tests. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a ten-year-old vehicle. Between the September 2021 test at 9,495 miles and the March 2026 test at 29,367 miles, the car covered roughly 19,872 miles across four and a half years, averaging around 4,400 miles per year in that window. Earlier years were even quieter, with only 905 miles added between September 2021 and January 2023. This pattern suggests prolonged periods of light use or standing, which can be a double-edged sword. Low mileage limits consumable wear, but extended sitting can cause tyre perishing, brake surface corrosion, dried seals, and stale fuel issues, all of which align with the rear tyre advisories now appearing. Looking at the full record, tyre-related advisories have surfaced more than once. Front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge in the April 2024 test at 16,253 miles, and now rear tyres are showing age-related deterioration in 2026. This suggests basic tyre upkeep has been reactive rather than proactive, with replacements likely done only when legally required. A buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall cracking, uneven tread depth, and date codes, particularly on the rears. The spare tyre, if present, is also worth checking given the vehicle's tendency toward long idle spells. Beyond tyres, the low-mileage, low-use profile warrants a close look at braking components and suspension bushings. Brake discs and pads can develop surface corrosion and glazing from infrequent driving, potentially leading to binding or uneven braking not always visible in an MOT pass. Suspension bushes and shock absorbers may have dried or perished from age rather than mileage. Underbody condition is equally important; while no corrosion advisories have been recorded, a decade-old city car should be inspected for early-stage rust on subframes, sill edges, and around mounting points, especially if it has stood for extended periods on damp ground.