2016 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · BK66 OXV

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward front-end mechanical wear. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 55,835 miles passed, the tester flagged worn suspension arm bushes on both the nearside and offside front alongside play in the steering rack inner joints. These issues did not result in a failure but indicate that the steering and suspension components are beginning to reach the end of their operational life. The mileage profile is consistently low for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,500 miles per year. There is a steady progression of usage between 2021 and 2025, where the car covered roughly 26,000 miles over a four-year period. However, the gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests shows only 5,685 miles driven, suggesting periods of low activity. This low mileage reflects light use but often leads to the degradation of rubber components and dry seals rather than high-mileage wear. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the front suspension to assess the extent of the play in the steering rack and the condition of the control arm bushes. The previous advisory for thin brake pads in 2021 and worn front tyres in 2024 suggest that consumable maintenance is performed on a reactive basis rather than proactively. Given the current steering-related advisories, a professional check for knocking noises or uneven steering feel is essential to ensure the steering rack does not require immediate and expensive replacement.