2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · DP66 CXU

The 2017 FIAT 500 presents a mixed maintenance picture, with a clear pattern of neglect followed by reactive repairs. The most recent test on 17 December 2025 at 50,052 miles passed, but the sole advisory of front brake pads wearing thin indicates consumable wear is now approaching a critical threshold. The record shows a significant cluster of failures and advisories in late 2024, suggesting the vehicle was in poor mechanical condition before being patched up for its December 2024 pass. The trend is one of recent stabilisation, but only after a period of serious deterioration. The mileage profile is notably low for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,561 miles per year. The record reveals a substantial gap between January 2024 at 31,949 miles and December 2024 at 40,567 miles, representing 8,618 miles covered in eleven months. This sudden acceleration in use after a period of lighter running may have accelerated wear on components already showing fatigue, particularly the suspension and braking systems flagged during that period. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and braking components. The December 2024 failure identified excessively worn nearside front suspension arm rear bushes, a fault that directly affects steering precision and tyre wear. Although the vehicle passed its subsequent test, suspension bush wear rarely self-corrects and should be physically inspected for play. The repeated advisories for worn, pitted, and scored brake discs on both nearside rear and offside front, combined with the current advisory for thin front pads, point to a braking system that has been run hard or left unserviced. The condition of all brake discs and the integrity of the front suspension bushes must be verified beneath the vehicle. The rear exhaust corrosion flagged in both December 2024 tests remains a concern, as does the history of tyre damage including exposed ply and deep cuts reaching the cords. These failures suggest the previous owner allowed tyre condition to deteriorate to a dangerous level. A thorough inspection of the exhaust system for perforation and a careful examination of all four tyres for age-related cracking or hidden damage are essential before purchase.