2015 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · DM60 BOO

The most recent MOT on 3 March 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, and the preceding test in March 2025 also cleared without comment. Earlier in the series there were several failures – notably a major parking‑brake inefficiency in April 2024 and a major front‑suspension ball‑joint failure in April 2023 – together with a pattern of advisories concerning brake discs, suspension bushings, coolant and oil leaks and the rear‑exhaust box. The shift from repeated failures in 2022‑2023 to clean passes in the last two years suggests that the current owner has addressed the most serious faults and that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory is now stabilising rather than deteriorating. At 108 057 miles the car has averaged just under 10 000 miles per annum over its eleven‑year life, which is typical for a small performance hatchback. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme short‑term use that would accelerate wear, but it does mean that wear items such as brake discs, suspension bushings and engine seals are likely approaching the end of their service lives and should be inspected for remaining thickness, play and leakage. The relatively moderate annual usage also implies that the vehicle may have spent periods standing idle, which can exacerbate rubber and metal ageing, especially on tyres and the battery. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering components. Feel for any clunk, knock or excessive play when the steering wheel is turned at low speed and when the wheels are rocked side‑to‑side; these symptoms would indicate that the ball joint or the arm bushings are again approaching the limits that triggered the 2023 failure. Examine the brake discs for scoring, uneven wear patterns or deep grooves, and listen for a pulsating or shuddering sensation under hard braking, which would confirm that the discs flagged in 2023 are now genuinely weakened and may need replacement. Test the parking brake by applying it on a gentle incline; it should hold the vehicle firmly without requiring excessive lever travel – any slippage or unusually loose lever would suggest the adjustment issue recorded in 2024 has not been fully resolved. Also inspect the engine bay for fresh coolant or oil stains around hoses, the radiator and the oil filter housing, as the recurring leaks noted in 2022‑2023 could reappear if seals have not been renewed. Given the car’s age, verify the condition of the tyres – look for sidewall cracking, dry rot or tread that is unevenly worn, which can be a sign of suspension misalignment or prolonged storage. Check the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and assess the battery’s cranking strength, as a vehicle that has spent time standing can develop a weakened charge. Confirm that the rear‑exhaust box and its outer skin are free of rust and holes, and that the muffler does not emit excessive noise or smoke, indicating the poor‑condition advisory from 2023 has been remedied. Finally, request a full service history and any recent fluid change receipts; coolant, brake fluid and engine oil should have been replaced at least every two years, and the timing belt or chain (as applicable) should be documented to ensure the powertrain remains reliable for the next few years of ownership.