2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · EK65 JCZ

The vehicle was last presented for MOT testing on 4 September 2025 and achieved a PASS outcome, with a single advisory issued for corrosion on the offside rear coil spring. This same advisory has now appeared in two consecutive tests, having first been recorded on 12 September 2024, which is worth noting as a recurring observation. While the advisory itself does not constitute a failure at this stage, the fact that the corrosion has persisted across two examinations suggests progressive surface deterioration rather than a static or one-off finding. The broader MOT history shows a stable and clean pattern across multiple consecutive passes spanning 2018 through 2023, with only isolated minor advisories such as a temporary tyre nail issue in 2022. The overall trend therefore reflects consistent roadworthiness compliance with a single developing area of concern that warrants physical scrutiny prior to purchase. Against an age of approximately 11 years, the recorded mileage of 26,602 miles equates to an annual average of roughly 2,418 miles, which is exceptionally low and well below typical usage for a city-orientated vehicle such as the Fiat 500. Such a low figure suggests that the car has either been used sparingly for short local journeys or has spent prolonged periods standing between uses. Low annual mileage is not inherently detrimental, but it shifts the type of wear and degradation to consider, as standing periods tend to promote issues with corrosion, fluid degradation, battery deterioration, and seized or binding brake components rather than the usual wear from mechanical use. Given the recurring advisory on the offside rear coil spring, the buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension on inspection. Coil spring corrosion is a common issue on older vehicles and tends to progress through surface pitting before developing into deeper structural degradation that can ultimately lead to spring fracture. On a test drive, listen for any unusual clonks, knocks, or creaks emanating from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces or speed humps, and observe whether the vehicle sits level or shows any sagging on the offside rear corner. The nearside rear coil spring should also be examined, as corrosion frequently develops symmetrically, and it is prudent to anticipate that both may eventually require replacement. A thorough inspection of the rear axle assembly for any fluid seepage from the adjacent brake components, as standing periods can also encourage rear brake caliper seizing, is recommended. Beyond the recorded advisory, the low-mileage, age-appropriate inspection should focus on items that deteriorate with time rather than use. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing, cracking, and ozone-related degradation, as rubber compounds harden and lose flexibility over an 11-year period regardless of tread depth. The 12-volt battery should have its state of health verified, as prolonged standing combined with short journeys is a leading cause of premature battery failure in this category of vehicle. Brake discs, particularly on the rear axle, are likely to exhibit significant surface corrosion from lack of regular use, and the handbrake mechanism should be tested to confirm it has not seized through inactivity. Finally, brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil should be checked for adherence to time-based replacement schedules rather than mileage intervals, and service records should be reviewed to confirm that these calendar-based services have been carried out, given that the low annual mileage would otherwise be insufficient to trigger them.