2021 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · DP21 PXN

The 2021 Abarth 595 presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 9 June 2025 at 15,114 miles, passed but flagged multiple tyre and braking defects that suggest routine consumable care has lapsed. The year prior, on 20 June 2024 at 14,382 miles, the car passed with zero defects, indicating a clear deterioration in condition over the last twelve months. The trend is worsening, not because of major mechanical failure, but because basic items like tyres and brake balance have been left to degrade to the point of advisory thresholds. The mileage pattern is notably low. The car has covered just 732 miles between the June 2024 and June 2025 tests, bringing the five-year total to 15,114 miles, roughly 3,023 miles annually. Such light use can mask wear in some areas while accelerating it in others, particularly rubber components. Tyres that age without regular flexing are prone to perishing and sidewall cracking, which is precisely what the 2025 tester recorded on all four tyres. Prolonged stationary periods can also contribute to brake imbalance as pads and discs develop uneven pad transfer or localised corrosion, consistent with the rear brake imbalance advisory issued at the same test. A buyer should inspect the tyres carefully. The 2025 advisory notes both edge wear on the front pair and cracking or perishing on all four, meaning replacement is likely imminent regardless of remaining tread depth. Check the date codes on each tyre to confirm age, as rubber older than six years should be replaced irrespective of condition. The rear brake imbalance advisory, described as only just meeting requirements, warrants a thorough inspection of the rear calipers for sticking slides or seized pistons, along with disc thickness and condition. Uneven pad wear or binding handbrake mechanisms are common culprits on low-mileage performance hatchbacks that see short trips. Beyond the flagged items, the low annual mileage raises secondary concerns. Fuel system components, seals, and suspension bushes can deteriorate from age rather than use. Inspect the front suspension lower arms and anti-roll bar links for perished rubber, and check the exhaust system for surface corrosion that can develop during long stationary periods. The braking system should be flushed if the fluid appears dark or has not been changed in over two years, as moisture absorption reduces boiling point and can exacerbate imbalance under load. Overall, the car is roadworthy today, but the record shows deferred upkeep that a diligent buyer should budget to address promptly.