2020 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · BX20 HFO

A clear mechanical theme emerges from this 595's MOT record: a tyre and wheel integrity issue that has surfaced at the most recent test, following a near-miss on the same theme two years earlier. The most recent examination on 26 June 2026 produced a pass, but two advisories were issued, one for slight cracking or perishing of the nearside rear tyre and another for a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel. Two years prior, on 26 June 2024, the car failed on a dangerous nearside front tyre with tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum. The intervening passes in 2023 and 2025 were recorded with no advisories or failures, so the trend is not one of chronic decline, but the pattern of two tyre-related flaggings in three years is a useful signal that the wheels and tyres deserve close physical inspection rather than a visual glance. With the vehicle now approaching six years of age, even items that have passed cleanly to date should be treated as candidates for developing wear. Usage has been notably modest, with 25,926 miles recorded over approximately six years, equating to around 4,321 miles annually. There are no significant gaps in the testing record and no extended periods off the road, so this is consistent with regular but light running rather than a long-term lay-up followed by recommissioning. Low annual mileage of this kind typically means less wear on friction items such as brake pads, discs, and clutch friction material, and tends to preserve interior and under-bonnet plastics from heat cycling stress. However, the same usage profile can also mean longer standing periods between drives, which can affect tyre flat-spotting, brake disc surface corrosion, and the sealing of rubber components such as suspension bushes and driveshaft gaiters. Given the advisory on a slightly distorted front wheel, standing-induced flat spotting and subsequent vibration are worth factoring into the inspection. A prospective buyer should start with a hands-on check of the wheels and tyres, beginning with the nearside rear tyre flagged for cracking or perishing. Run a hand across the sidewall and tread face to feel for surface crazing or deeper splits, and check the tread depth with an accurate gauge, as the 2024 failure shows the front pair can wear to below legal limits without being obvious in casual use. Examine the nearside front wheel closely for run-out by spinning it slowly with the car jacked: any visible hop or distortion will confirm the advisory and may also indicate kerbing impact, which on an Abarth-tuned chassis could have transmitted shock through the front suspension. While the car is raised, inspect the brake discs for any lipping or significant surface corrosion, as light annual use tends to produce edge rust that may or may not clean off under braking. On the test drive, focus on translating the advisory items into felt behaviour. With the distorted nearside front wheel, expect to detect a slight vibration through the steering wheel or a subtle pulsing under braking at higher speeds, particularly from around 40 mph upward; test the brakes firmly from motorway speed to see if any judder develops, as this will distinguish a wheel-related issue from warped discs. Listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn suspension linkages or top mounts, and pay attention to steering precision, as the Abarth's quicker rack will exaggerate any free play. Given the documented tyre failure history, also confirm the spare or repair kit provision and check that the tyres currently fitted are of matching size, brand, and tread pattern across the axle, because the prior illegal front tyre suggests tyre rotation or replacement discipline may not have been consistent.