2016 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · DN66 UNL

A pattern of recurring suspension and tyre advisories has characterised this vehicle's recent MOT history, although the most recent tests on 24 October 2025 and 10 December 2024 show no recorded defects. The mechanical trend indicates a period of notable wear between 2020 and 2023, specifically concerning rear shock absorber bushes and tyre degradation, which appears to have been addressed or resolved by the time of the latest inspections. While the 2021 failure regarding windscreen washer insufficiency was a minor functional issue, the historical advisories regarding brake cable corrosion and tyre perishing suggest components that have been subject to age-related deterioration. The vehicle has covered 29,251 miles over its ten-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 2,925 miles. This is significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting infrequent usage. While low mileage typically implies less wear on the drivetrain and engine internals, such a usage profile can lead to other issues, such as the tyre cracking and perishing noted in the 2022 records. This type of intermittent use often means components like rubber bushes and tyre sidewalls may degrade due to age and lack of movement rather than through heavy mechanical load. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the rear suspension system during a test drive. The repeated advisories for worn bushes on both the nearside and offside rear shock absorbers suggest that the damping components have been a recurring point of interest. Listen for any knocking, clunking, or hollow thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as these are common symptoms of perished or degraded suspension bushes. Additionally, given the previous advisories for both tyre wear and perishing, the current condition of the tread depth and the presence of any sidewall cracking should be visually inspected to ensure the tyres are not reaching the end of their service life due to age. The historical records also flagged issues with the rear brake cable outer covers being split and corroded, alongside damaged brake cables. While the recent clean tests suggest these may have been rectified, it is prudent to test the handbrake's effectiveness. Ensure the parking brake holds the vehicle firmly on an incline and check for any excessive travel or a loose, spongy feel in the lever. Any difficulty in engaging or releasing the handbrake, or an unusual grinding noise when applying it, could indicate that the previous issues with cable corrosion or damage have not been fully resolved or have recurred.