2016 Fiat Qubo 1.4L Petrol · BW16 FWB

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 June 2026 resulted in a PASS, with two advisories noted: an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on the inner edge, and a recurrence of power steering seepage that was also flagged in both the 2025 pass and the earlier 2025 fail. Looking at the history overall, the vehicle has passed every test since 2020 without any major structural or safety failures, but the appearance of recurring advisories relating to the power steering system, alongside a one-off failure for ineffective wiper operation and intermittent minor defects on wiper blades and mirrors, suggests a maintenance trend that is broadly stable but not entirely without concern. The recurring nature of the power steering advisory is particularly noteworthy, as it has now appeared on three separate occasions, indicating that although the leak is currently minor, it warrants close monitoring to ensure it does not progress to a component failure or fluid loss sufficient to affect steering assistance. With approximately 25,064 miles recorded over a ten-year period, this Qubo has covered around 2,500 miles annually, which is substantially below average for a vehicle of this age and falls into the low-mileage bracket. While this typically implies reduced wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it also raises the likelihood of issues associated with extended periods of standing rather than active use. The fairly consistent year-on-year MOT dates suggest the vehicle has not been laid up for prolonged stretches, but such low annual usage can accelerate calendar-related degradation of fluids, seals, and rubber components, and can lead to corrosion on brake discs and callipers due to infrequent operation. Given the recurring advisory regarding power steering seepage, a prospective buyer should physically examine the power steering system, checking the hoses, rack, and pump for fresh fluid residue, signs of dampness, or hardened perished rubber. On a test drive, listen for any unusual whining or groaning from the steering pump when turning the wheel at standstill, and monitor whether the steering feels consistently weighted or becomes noticeably heavier as fluid levels drop. The 2026 advisory on the offside front tyre suggests the inner edge is wearing prematurely, which can indicate issues with camber, tracking, or worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, drop links, or top mounts; on a test drive, listen for suspension knocking over uneven surfaces and inspect the inner shoulder of all tyres for uneven wear patterns consistent with misalignment or failing suspension geometry. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and low mileage profile of this vehicle demand attention to time-served components that do not necessarily show up in MOT results. Brake discs and callipers may exhibit surface corrosion from standing, so a road test should confirm the vehicle pulls evenly and that the brakes do not bind or judder under light application. The 12V battery is highly likely to be original or aged given the low mileage, and a standing battery will have reduced capacity even with low mileage, so it should be load-tested prior to purchase. Tyre sidewalls should be carefully inspected for cracking and perishing from age regardless of tread depth, and all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, should be checked for condition and service history, as they degrade over time even when the vehicle is used infrequently. Verifying a complete service book history with stamps at appropriate intervals will be especially important to confirm that time-based maintenance has been carried out.