2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · FE59 TZG

The 2009 Fiat 500 presents a mixed maintenance picture, with a stable but unresolved front-end wear trend. The most recent test on 7 February 2026 at 96,324 miles passed, yet the tester flagged slight play in both front suspension arm ball joints, a defect that has now appeared in three of the last four annual tests. This recurring advisory indicates the front-end joints are approaching the end of their serviceable life and will likely require replacement before the next test. The record shows no evidence of progressive failure or sudden deterioration, but the persistence of these advisories suggests previous owners deferred minor repairs rather than addressing the root cause. Mileage accumulation is notably low for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 5,666 miles per year. The 2026 test recorded 96,324 miles, just 3,105 miles added since the February 2025 test at 93,219 miles. A gap exists between January 2024 at 87,623 miles and January 2023 at 81,834 miles, representing 5,789 miles over twelve months. The data is sparse, with no tests between 2024 and 2025, making it difficult to pinpoint whether the low annual mileage reflects genuine light use or extended periods of inactivity. Prolonged standing can cause tyre perishing and seized components, which aligns with the 2023 advisory for cracking rear tyres. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry. The repeated ball joint play on both sides of the vehicle points to worn track rod ends or wishbone bushes that may cause uneven tyre wear and vague steering. The 2025 advisory for a severely deteriorated offside anti-roll bar linkage dust cover suggests the joint itself is likely contaminated and worn. Rear suspension corrosion also warrants close attention. The 2024 advisory for corroded rear coil springs is a structural concern on a Fiat 500, as spring fracture under load is a known failure mode on these vehicles. The 2025 note regarding a corroded rear axle component, though deemed not seriously weakened at the time, should be verified with a thorough underside inspection for any perforation or scaling that could worsen. Brake condition requires verification beyond the test record. The 2025 advisory for thin front brake pads, combined with the 2023 failure for insufficient parking brake efficiency, suggests the braking system has received only reactive attention. A buyer should check the condition of the rear brake shoes and handbrake cables, as well as the thickness of the front discs and pads. The windscreen washer failures in 2023, while minor, hint at a general pattern of deferred basic upkeep. Overall, this Fiat 500 is roadworthy today but carries a backlog of minor suspension and brake wear items that a diligent buyer should budget for.