2014 Fiat 500 C 1.2L Petrol · CV63 VLB

A pattern of minor advisories rather than structural failures defines this FIAT 500 C's MOT history, with a single failed test on the 24th of February 2026 caused solely by an inoperative nearside stop lamp. The vehicle passed on the same date once the defect was addressed, though the non-obligatory central stop lamp remains flagged as inoperative and the nearside front shock absorber shows light oil misting. Across seven recorded tests between 2019 and 2026 the car has only suffered that one failure, but a closer look reveals a recurring theme of tyre wear issues, with nearside front and both rear tyres flagged for edge wear or being close to the legal limit on multiple occasions between 2021 and 2023. The 2026 test shows no tyre advisories, which may simply reflect that replacements were carried out prior to the test rather than an underlying issue being resolved. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in December 2020, and given the typical lifespan of brake pads on a vehicle of this weight, a buyer should reasonably expect them to be approaching replacement again if they have not been changed since. With 71,939 miles recorded over roughly twelve years, this 500 C averages approximately 6,000 miles per year, which is notably low for its age and class. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than abrupt, with no evidence of clocked readings or significant gaps in use that would suggest long periods of standing. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals, but it can conversely accelerate degradation of rubber and plastic items through lack of regular use, including brake flexes, suspension bushes and fluid seals. The light oil misting already visible on the nearside front shock absorber is consistent with this, as seals that are not regularly exercised through driving tend to dry out and weep prematurely. There is no record of any extended lay-up that would warrant particular concern over fuel system deterioration or battery condition. For a prospective buyer, the specific items worth examining on a physical inspection are the nearside front shock absorber, which should be checked for any worsening oil weep down the body of the unit, and for any knocking or bouncing over uneven road surfaces that would indicate the damping has weakened. The brake system warrants close attention too, particularly the front discs and pads, which should be inspected for lipping, scoring on the disc surface and remaining pad material, with the pedal feel assessed for any sponginess or excessive travel that might suggest caliper binding or worn flexi hoses. Given the repeated advisories for edge wear on the nearside front tyre across 2022 and 2023, a test drive should include careful observation of any steering pull to one side, uneven steering effort or unusual vibration through the steering wheel, as these can indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension linkages or a deteriorating anti-roll bar bush. The nearside stop lamp failure that caused the only recorded MOT failure is a simple bulb or wiring fix and should not be considered a structural concern, but the persistent advisory on the central non-obligatory stop lamp suggests a loose connector or fatigued bulb holder that may be worth inspecting. Finally, a general check for any corrosion around the rear subframe mounting points, exhaust hangers and underbody seam sealer is advisable on any 500 C of this age, particularly one that may have seen winter road salt exposure even at modest mileages.