2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · DV67 KHB

The 2017 FIAT 500 passed its most recent MOT on 16 September 2025 at 75,596 miles, but the maintenance trend is one of gradual mechanical decline rather than proactive repair. That test followed a failure on the same day, where the tester flagged worn front Macpherson strut pins or bushes and slight play in both strut top mountings, alongside a corroded and weeping sume oil leak. These items carried over from the previous year's advisories and were not rectified before the retest. The same front suspension wear has now appeared in three consecutive annual tests, indicating a slow but persistent deterioration that the previous owner chose to monitor rather than repair. The September 2025 pass confirms the car meets minimum legal standards, but the unresolved advisories point to deferred maintenance on core suspension components. The mileage pattern is broadly consistent with typical use for a nine-year-old city car. Annual tests show readings of 56,928 miles in September 2023, 65,263 miles in September 2024, and 75,596 miles in September 2025, representing annual increases of roughly 8,300 to 10,300 miles. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record, and the current mileage aligns with an average of approximately 8,400 miles per year. The record is clean in terms of mileage continuity, with no evidence of clocking or long periods of inactivity. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension on any physical inspection. The repeated advisory regarding worn Macpherson strut pins or bushes and play in both top mountings suggests the front dampers and top mounts are approaching the end of their service life, which will affect steering precision, braking stability, and ride comfort. The corroded and weeping sump is another concern, as corrosion on the sump body can progress to a sudden oil loss if left untreated, particularly on a vehicle that may see frequent short trips in town driving. The 2024 failure for a parking brake lever with excessive movement and below-requirements efficiency also warrants a check of the rear brake adjustment and cable condition, especially if the car is parked on inclines. Tyre condition has been flagged intermittently, with the 2023 test noting the nearside rear and central rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and perishing. Given the current mileage and the likelihood of similar wear patterns continuing, a close inspection of all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall cracking, and tread depth is advisable. The nearside front wiper blade failure in the September 2025 retest is a minor consumable issue, but it does suggest basic upkeep items were not always addressed promptly. Overall, the car presents as a mechanically tired example with known suspension and fluid-sealing issues that will require attention in the near term.