2015 Fiat 500L 1.2L Diesel · FE65 LSN

The vehicle most recently passed its DVSA MOT test on 27 August 2025, though this followed an earlier failure on the same date for a non-functioning windscreen washer, which is a straightforward rectification. The current pass carries four advisories concerning front brake disc wear, fluctuating offside front service brake efficiency, and corrosion on both front suspension arms. Looking back through the history, the overall trend is one of progressive deterioration rather than stability. The 2020 and 2021 tests were entirely clean, but from 2022 onwards a recurring pattern has emerged of front brake disc wear, front suspension and sub-frame bush wear, and tyre perishing. The advisories are becoming more numerous and overlapping year on year, with brake discs now flagged across three consecutive tests and suspension component wear escalating from bush play in 2022 and 2024 to outright corrosion of the suspension arms in 2025. This indicates a vehicle whose mechanical condition is gradually worsening and which will require committed spend on chassis and braking components in the near term. The recorded mileage of 42,601 miles on an eleven year old vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 3,870 miles, which is substantially below the typical usage rate for a car of this type. Such low annual mileage can be advantageous in terms of engine and drivetrain wear, but it carries its own specific risks. Long periods of standing tend to accelerate corrosion on ferrous components, degrade tyres through perishing and sidewall cracking rather than tread wear, encourage brake disc corrosion that can lead to binding calipers, and allow brake fluid to absorb moisture over time, reducing its boiling point and effectiveness. The mileage progression across the MOT record appears broadly consistent with gentle, perhaps intermittent, use, but the 2020 failure for a fractured offside front coil spring is a notable historical event. Coil springs can fail through fatigue or corrosion, and although the vehicle has passed every test since, a fractured spring suggests the front suspension has absorbed an impact or has been subjected to age related metal fatigue worth bearing in mind when inspecting the front end. For a prospective buyer, the front brake system should be the primary focus of any physical inspection and test drive. With the discs having been flagged as worn, pitted, and scored across three consecutive MOT tests and the offside front service brake noted as fluctuating in efficiency, the discs are likely approaching or already at the minimum thickness and may require replacement along with the pads. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would confirm disc runout, and check for any pulling to one side that could indicate a binding or sticking caliper, a common consequence of prolonged standing. The front suspension also warrants close attention. The recurring advisories on suspension arm bushes and sub-frame rear bushes separating, combined with the 2025 advisories on corroded suspension arms, suggest the front chassis is reaching an age where bush renewal and possibly arm replacement should be budgeted for. During inspection, push and rock the front of the vehicle to detect any clonks or excessive free play, and listen for knocking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. Beyond the flagged items, the low mileage and advancing age demand several calendar-based checks that would not necessarily appear in an MOT record. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking and perishing rather than relying on tread depth alone, as the 2022 and 2023 advisories on perished tyres demonstrate that age degradation has already been an issue and perished tyres may need replacement regardless of remaining tread. Examine the 12V battery, which on a low use vehicle is likely to have suffered repeated shallow discharge cycles, and verify its date code and state of charge. Check the brake fluid and coolant for their replacement dates, since brake fluid should be renewed every two years irrespective of mileage due to hygroscopic moisture absorption, and coolant typically requires replacement on a time basis. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle, paying particular attention to the front sub-frame and suspension components, for any signs of advanced corrosion that the MOT advisory categories may have understated, and verify the service book history to confirm that routine maintenance has been carried out at appropriate intervals despite the low annual mileage.