2009 Fiat 500 1.4L Petrol · DV09 DXD

The 2009 Fiat 500 presents a mixed maintenance picture. Its most recent MOT, conducted on 14 August 2025 at 81,720 miles, passed, yet the tester flagged multiple corrosion-related advisories that point to a worsening trend rather than a stable one. Both front and rear coil springs were noted as corroded, the nearside front shock absorber was misting oil, and the rear Macpherson strut showed corrosion. A coolant leak and a corroded rear brake hose ferrule were also recorded. While none of these items resulted in a failure on this occasion, the accumulation of corrosion warnings on a 16-year-old city car suggests structural deterioration is progressing and will likely demand attention in the near term. The vehicle has covered just 81,720 miles over approximately 17 years, averaging roughly 4,807 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. Mileage accumulation has been gradual and consistent, rising from 72,118 miles in October 2022 to 75,539 miles by August 2023, then to 78,501 miles by August 2024, and finally to 81,720 miles by August 2025. The record shows no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps, indicating the car has likely seen regular but light use, probably short urban journeys. That usage pattern, combined with the visible corrosion, raises the possibility of long periods standing or frequent short trips that accelerate moisture-related deterioration of underbody and suspension components. A buyer should prioritise a close physical inspection of the suspension and underbody. The repeated appearance of corroded coil springs, a corroded rear Macpherson strut, and oil-misting front shock absorbers across multiple tests signals that the front and rear suspension assemblies are enduring age-related decay. Have a technician check the condition of all four coil springs for section loss or cracking, inspect the front strut tops and rear strut mounts for corrosion jacking, and verify that the shock absorbers are not weeping beyond acceptable limits. The rear brake hose ferrule corrosion noted in 2025 also warrants a thorough check of all flexible hoses and metal brake lines for pitting or swelling, particularly at unions and clips. Beyond the suspension, the coolant leak evidence around the engine bay and the slight oil leak flagged in the latest test deserve further investigation. A pressure test of the cooling system will reveal whether the leak stems from a deteriorating hose, a failing radiator end tank, or a weeping water pump. The nearside rear brake discs corroded on the inner face in 2023, and while that specific advisory did not recur, any car used predominantly for short trips can develop uneven disc corrosion and binding calipers. A road test should confirm the handbrake holds firmly and the car pulls up straight without drag or judder. Overall, the record shows a car that has been kept on the road but not cosseted, and a pre-purchase inspection focused on structural corrosion and suspension integrity is strongly advisable.