2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · DL17 FFB

The 2017 FIAT 500 presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 9 June 2025 at 52,518 miles, passed but flagged two notable defects: front brake discs in poor condition on the inner face and slight corrosion on the rear axle beam. This is a step back from the clean bills of health recorded in 2023 and 2024, suggesting the car may have sat idle for extended periods. A vehicle that stands still often develops surface corrosion on brake discs and structural underbody components, which aligns precisely with what the tester observed. The trend is not worsening in a mechanical sense, but it does indicate deferred attention to consumable and corrosion-related items. The mileage profile tells a clear story of very light use. Covering just 5,835 miles per year on average, the car has done roughly 9,000 miles in the two years between the June 2023 test at 36,086 miles and the June 2025 test at 52,518 miles. That is a noticeable acceleration compared to the earlier years, when annual mileage hovered around 7,000 to 10,000 miles. The gap between 2024 and 2025 alone accounts for nearly 6,000 miles, which is consistent with a change of keeper or a shift in usage pattern. The record is complete with no missing years, so there is no evidence of gaps in testing that might hide neglect. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front brake assembly. The tester noted poor inner disc condition in 2025, and the 2022 test already recorded worn and pitted front discs. Inner-face wear on a Fiat 500 often points to binding calipers or stuck sliding pins rather than simple pad wear, so the caliper operation and slide mechanism need careful checking. The rear axle beam corrosion flagged in 2025 is described as slight, but on a Fiat 500 the rear torsion beam is a structural component. Any perforation or scaling around the mounting points and spring seats would be a concern for long-term integrity. The suspension arm bushes were flagged as worn in 2022 but not excessively so, and no repeat advisory appeared in later tests, which suggests they may have been replaced. Still, a physical check of both lower arm bushes and the condition of the front coil springs is advisable given the car's age. Tyre condition and age should also be verified, as low-mileage cars frequently run on rubber that perishes from age rather than wear.