2016 Fiat Panda 0.9L Petrol · CV16 FVB

A pattern of steering and suspension wear dominates this Fiat Panda's MOT record, suggesting that the front end geometry and its consumable joints are approaching the end of their service life. The most recent test on 17 February 2026 passed, but it carried advisories for play in the steering rack inner joint on both sides over consecutive years, alongside rear brake pipe corrosion and fluctuating offside rear brake performance. This followed a dangerous failure at the 16 March 2023 test for a seriously damaged offside front valve stem, an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush, and excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, with the subsequent pass a year later only confirming the roadworthiness at that point rather than indicating any remedial work. The recurring appearance of steering rack inner joint play across both 2025 and 2026 inspections is a particularly telling indicator, as this component does not self-correct and typically deteriorates progressively, meaning further degradation between MOTs should be anticipated. With 52,622 miles accumulated over ten years, this Panda has averaged around 5,260 miles annually, which is notably below typical usage for a city car of this age and suggests either periods of light use or intervals where the vehicle may have been laid up. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals, but it can simultaneously accelerate degradation of rubber components, brake discs through surface corrosion, and underbody protection through lack of regular rinsing. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2023 onwards, so the mileage accumulation can be tracked with reasonable confidence and the trajectory appears steady rather than showing sudden spikes that would indicate motorway commuting or rental use. For a prospective buyer, the steering and front suspension items flagged across the record warrant the closest physical inspection. The track rod end ball joint that failed in 2023 was replaced on the offside, but the advisories for steering rack inner joint play in 2025 and 2026 indicate the wear is migrating elsewhere in the steering assembly; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or a delay in steering response that could indicate the rack itself is developing internal wear. Inspect the offside front lower arm bush area for any fresh grease, splitting or movement, as the 2023 dangerous failure suggests this is a known weak point, and check that the tyre inner shoulders are not feathered, which would confirm ongoing geometry misalignment from worn linkage components. The rear brake system requires equally careful scrutiny given the dual advisories for corroded rear brake pipes on both sides at the 2026 test, combined with a fluctuating offside rear service brake. Brake pipe corrosion beneath the vehicle can progress rapidly once initiated, so the car should be raised or examined on a ramp to assess the extent of surface rust versus any pitting or wall thinning along the pipe runs from the master cylinder to the rear axle. On the road, the offside rear brake fluctuating should manifest as pulling to one side under firm braking or an inconsistent pedal feel, and any sponginess or excessive travel would indicate the system needs bleeding or the flex hoses have deteriorated. The nearside track rod end dust cover damage noted in 2025 should also be rechecked, as a split cover will rapidly admit contamination and accelerate joint wear. Finally, the oil leak flagged as not excessive in 2025 should be re-examined for any fresh drips on the underbody or staining around the sump and cam cover area, as oil contamination on the lower suspension components can mask or accelerate bush deterioration on a vehicle of this age and mileage profile.