2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · DP66 CXE

The 2017 FIAT 500 presents a generally sound mechanical picture as of its most recent MOT on 6 November 2025 at 44,220 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, with the vehicle passing its last three consecutive annual tests after a failure in November 2023. The November 2025 pass, however, was not entirely clean. The tester flagged light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber and noted that both front brake discs were worn, pitted, or scored, though not seriously weakened. These are minor advisories rather than dangerous defects, but they signal the onset of age-related wear that warrants monitoring. The mileage profile is notably low for a nine-year-old vehicle. Between November 2022 at 35,735 miles and November 2025 at 44,220 miles, the car covered just 8,485 miles over three years, averaging under 2,830 miles annually in that window. Earlier years were similarly subdued, with only 2,205 miles added between November 2023 and November 2024. This pattern suggests prolonged periods of limited use, which can be a double-edged sword. While low mileage reduces wear on drivetrain and braking components, extended sitting can cause seals to dry, tyres to flat-spot, and brake discs to surface-corrode, which may partly explain the pitted front discs noted in the latest test. The November 2023 failure is worth examining closely. The car failed on 9 November 2023 at 37,932 miles for a non-functioning horn and an excessively worn offside front inner suspension arm pin or bush. It retested and passed just five days later on 14 November 2023, indicating the previous owner addressed both defects promptly. No suspension or horn-related issues have reappeared since, suggesting the repairs were effective rather than temporary. The worn front brake discs recorded in November 2025, however, represent a new development. Combined with the misting shock absorber, these point to front-end components reaching the point where a proactive buyer should inspect the condition of the front suspension bushes, ball joints, and shock absorber seals in person. A hands-on inspection should focus on the front end. Check the offside front shock absorber for worsening oil misting that could indicate seal failure. Examine the front brake discs for scoring depth and the pads for uneven wear, which could suggest a binding caliper. Inspect the inner suspension arm bushes on both sides, particularly the nearside, given the offside was replaced in 2023 and asymmetric wear is common. Look beneath the car for corrosion on the subframe, suspension mounting points, and exhaust system, as low-use city cars can trap moisture in underbody crevices. The tyres deserve attention too; check the date codes and sidewalls for cracking or perishing, as rubber deteriorates with age regardless of tread depth.