2012 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · EN12 AXB

A pattern of rear‑suspension wear combined with a nascent oil‑seal issue defines this 2012 Fiat 500’s recent MOT record; the latest test on 27 October 2025 returned a pass but flagged a near‑excessive oil leak, damage to the nearside rear spring mounting and worn bushes on both rear upper shock absorbers and the nearside front suspension arm. Earlier in the same year the vehicle also failed for the same suspension items, indicating that the wear has been persistent rather than a one‑off occurrence, while the oil‑leak advisory marks the first appearance of a fluid‑related defect. At 56 416 miles after fourteen years the average annual accumulation is roughly 4 030 mi, well below the typical UK usage rate for a small city car. The MOT history shows a consistent yearly testing cadence with no extended gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road rather than stored for long periods. Low mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine and drivetrain components, but it does not eliminate the progressive degradation of suspension bushings and mounting points that have been highlighted repeatedly. Prospective buyers should give the rear suspension a thorough audible and tactile inspection: listen for clunking or knocking when driving over bumps, feel for any looseness or unevenness in the rear ride height, and check that the nearside rear spring mounting remains secure under load. The worn shock‑absorber bushes may manifest as excessive bounce or a vague rumble; replacing the bushes and inspecting the spring mounting for cracks or corrosion would address the recurring advisory. The oil‑leak advisory warrants a visual check under the engine bay for fresh oil stains or drips, particularly around the valve cover and crankcase seals, and a short‑run test to see if any fluid appears on the ground after the car has been parked for a while. Tyre wear advisories appear in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 records, with both rear tyres flagged as close to the legal limit and showing edge‑wear or perishing. Verify that the current tyre tread depth exceeds the minimum legal 1.6 mm and that the tyres are free from side‑wall cracks or uneven wear patterns that could hint at lingering alignment or suspension issues. During a test drive, monitor for any steering pull to one side, a vibration through the steering wheel at higher speeds, and ensure that the rear registration‑plate lamps illuminate correctly in conjunction with the position lights, as previous failures suggest a wiring or bulb problem that should be rectified before purchase.