2018 Fiat 124 1.4L Petrol · DA18 RUU

The 2018 FIAT 124 presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT on 15 May 2026 at 58,801 miles passed, but the vehicle failed the day before on 14 May 2026 at 58,783 miles, requiring a retest within 24 hours. That failure flagged a cut deep enough to expose ply or cords on the offside rear tyre, a serious structural integrity concern, alongside a nearside rear tyre on the 1.6 mm legal limit and both front tyres worn to the limit on their edges. The retest passed after these consumables were addressed, yet the tester still recorded four advisories that have persisted across consecutive tests. Both nearside front and rear road wheels show inner rim distortion, and both rear lower suspension rod outer bushes are worn, though not yet causing excessive movement. These advisories have appeared in the 2025 and 2026 records, indicating a stable but unresolved pattern rather than a sudden deterioration. The vehicle is roadworthy today, but the recurring nature of these faults suggests a buyer should treat them as active mechanical concerns, not historical footnotes. The mileage progression is broadly typical for an eight-year-old car. From the 2024 failure at 45,309 miles on 3 May 2024 to the 2025 pass at 52,821 miles on 17 May 2025, the vehicle covered roughly 7,500 miles in just over a year. The jump from 52,821 miles in May 2025 to 58,801 miles by May 2026 represents approximately 6,000 miles, a slight reduction in annual use but still within normal parameters. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes that would suggest odometer tampering or prolonged standing. The annual accumulation of around 7,000 to 7,500 miles is consistent with regular daily driving, meaning wear on consumables like tyres and brakes should be expected at these intervals. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the rear suspension and wheel condition. The nearside rear and offside rear lower suspension rod outer bushes have been flagged as worn in both the 2025 and 2026 tests, a recurring advisory that points to gradual degradation of the rear suspension bushes. Left unchecked, worn bushes can accelerate tyre wear, compromise handling precision, and place additional stress on shock absorbers and subframe mounting points. The inner rim distortion on both nearside wheels is also worth investigating, as bent rims can cause slow air loss, vibrations at speed, and uneven tyre wear patterns that may not be immediately visible. Check for kerb damage and have the wheels assessed for run-out if possible. The tyre history raises questions about upkeep discipline. The 2026 failure exposed a deep cut on the offside rear tyre reaching the cords, a condition that does not develop overnight. Both front and nearside rear tyres were simultaneously on the legal limit, suggesting the previous owner deferred replacement until the vehicle could not pass a test. The 2025 record also noted perishing and cracking on both rear tyres alongside binding on the offside rear service brake. A binding caliper can cause uneven pad wear, overheating, and premature disc scoring. During any test drive, pay attention to pulling under braking, a dragging sensation from the rear offside, and uneven tyre wear across all four corners. The mechanical core of the car appears sound, but the pattern of deferred consumable replacement and persistent suspension advisories warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.