2018 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · EJ67 ETA

The most recent MOT on 2026-02-28 recorded a pass at 51,885 miles, but a failure just one day earlier at 51,833 miles highlighted two key issues: an offside rear child seat obstructing inspection of the adult seat belt and excessive wear in the offside suspension arm bush (5.3.4 (a) (i)). The failure suggests a safety-critical defect in the suspension system, which was likely addressed before the subsequent pass. However, the child seat issue persisted in the later test, indicating potential ongoing compliance or installation challenges. A recurring pattern of minor mechanical concerns emerges: in 2025-02-22, fluctuating service brakes (1.2.1 (e)) were noted, and in 2024-02-23, both windscreen wipers failed to clear the screen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii)). These were resolved in later tests, but the 2026 suspension failure represents a more serious defect requiring immediate attention. The trend shows no clear worsening —defects have been intermittent and largely addressed—but the suspension issue is a significant risk, as worn bushes can compromise handling and safety. The vehicle’s mileage of 51,885 miles over 8 years equates to ~6,486 miles annually, which is typical for its age . This suggests average usage rather than heavy wear or prolonged inactivity. However, the proximity of the 2026 failure and pass (just 52 miles apart) raises questions about the consistency of inspections or potential short-term neglect. A buyer should prioritize inspecting the offside suspension components for signs of wear or damage, ensuring the child seat installation does not interfere with seat belt functionality, and testing the brake system for stability.