2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · ES52 TCS

A clear pattern of front suspension wear and corrosion advisories defines the mechanical history of this 2015 FIAT 500. Across the recorded tests the front dampers have been a recurring concern, with a serious nearside shock absorber fluid leak flagged as a major failure in March 2024, and an offside front shock absorber serious fluid leak causing the only outright failure in March 2026 before a pass was secured six days later. Front suspension arm bushes were also called out as excessively worn on both sides in January 2022, resulting in a failure at that test. Rear coil spring corrosion has been noted on both sides at the most recent two tests, alongside general underside and suspension component corrosion, and there is a continuing advisory for a minor exhaust gas leak. Front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin and front brake discs were previously recorded as significantly worn, while tyres and rear shock absorber bushes have appeared periodically throughout the record. At 59,976 recorded miles over eleven years, the vehicle is accumulating roughly 5,450 miles annually, which is low for its age. Tests have generally fallen within a consistent annual cycle, although the January 2022 and March 2026 entries show two tests conducted within days of each other on each occasion, consistent with a retest following a failure rather than any meaningful change in usage pattern. The relatively low annual mileage suggests the vehicle has seen lighter than average use, which can preserve drivetrain longevity yet allows underbody corrosion to establish itself on unprotected steel components through winter road salt cycles, particularly given the recorded advisories. The combination of shock absorber fluid leaks, worn suspension bushes and corroded coil springs warrants close physical inspection before purchase. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, and pay attention to any continued damping instability such as excessive body roll, nose dive under braking, or the car settling and swaying after coming to a stop, all of which would suggest the front dampers have not recovered adequately. Feel for vagueness in the steering, uneven tyre wear across both front tyres, or knocking on full lock, which would point to the lower arm rear bushes previously flagged as excessively worn. The steering should self-centre smoothly without any shudders through the rack. Inspect the rear coil spring pans for visible cracking or flaking, and check that the vehicle sits level, as corroded springs can lead to a sagging rear end. Examine the underside thoroughly for any further corrosion beyond what was recorded, particularly around subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and fuel lines, as the recorded underside corrosion has been described as affecting some suspension components. For the braking system, with both the front brake pads and previously the front discs having been flagged as worn, verify that pedal feel is firm and that the vehicle stops squarely without any pulling to either side, which could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Listen for any scraping or grinding under light braking. Given the recorded minor exhaust leak, have the exhaust inspected cold and while running for any hissing or ticking from joints and the manifold area, and check for black sooting around joints. The front passenger door catch should be operated multiple times to confirm it latches securely, as deterioration was noted. Tyres should be checked for even wear across both axles and for any cracking in the sidewalls, given the prior advisories for worn edges and perished rear tyres. A pre-purchase inspection on a ramp would be prudent to assess the full extent of the underside corrosion and confirm the integrity of brake pipes and suspension components that are not visible from ground level.