2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · BN59 TBU

The Fiat 500 in question has demonstrated a concerning but stabilising maintenance trend over its recent MOT history. The most recent test on 9 December 2025 at 103,063 miles passed without defects, marking the first clean result since September 2023. However, the 2023 failure—where the rear exhaust leak and corroded rear coil springs were flagged—suggests prior neglect before corrective action was taken. The 2024 test revealed persistent rear suspension corrosion, though the tester noted it was not yet critically weakened. This implies the vehicle has undergone partial repairs, but the underlying structural issues remain unresolved. The absence of advisories in the last two tests indicates no immediate failures were deferred, though the 2022 record shows a pattern of deferred or obscured corrosion, particularly around underbody components and suspension mounts. The mileage progression of approximately 6,063 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests—just 11 months—suggests either a delayed MOT or reduced driving during that period. The 2023 failure at 86,614 miles followed a 2022 test at 74,353 miles, indicating roughly 12,000 miles between inspections, which is acceptable but not exemplary. The most recent MOT, just over seven months ago, is timely, but the earlier history reveals a vehicle that may have been driven with inconsistent maintenance discipline. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear suspension and exhaust system. The recurring corrosion of rear coil springs and mounting points—flagged in every test since 2022—demands verification that these components have been replaced or properly treated. The 2023 exhaust leak failure warrants checking for patched repairs or new seals, while the 2022 tester’s note about a damaged near-side rear brake area suggests potential for hidden flexing or fluid leaks. Underbody corrosion, particularly around the rear beam and suspension mounts, should be probed for structural compromise, as the 2022 record indicates heat shields may have obscured critical areas. Front suspension bushes and shock absorbers, though not recently failed, show signs of wear in prior tests and should be assessed for excessive play or fluid leakage. Tyres and brakes, while not explicitly failed, have been flagged in the past, so tread depth and caliper binding should be confirmed in person.