2018 Fiat Fullback 2.4L Diesel · FL18 AAO

A pattern of repeated front-end wear advisories defines the mechanical story of this 2018 Fiat Fullback, with the most recent pass on 5 August 2026 flagging both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit and on their edges, while the 2025 test had already recorded front brake discs worn and front brake pads wearing thin. Although the vehicle has avoided any outright failure since a minor washer fluid defect on 5 August 2024 (which was clearly rectified, as it passed cleanly the same day on the retest), the consistency of front axle advisories across two consecutive tests points to a steering geometry or suspension component issue that is accelerating tyre and brake wear on that axle. The advisory noting excessive travel on the parking brake lever at the latest test is also worth attention, as it suggests the rear drum or cable mechanism is beginning to lose its adjustment. The absence of any corrosion, structural, or exhaust advisories across the full MOT history is a positive indicator for a commercial-derived vehicle of this age. With 90,283 miles recorded over an eight-year life, this Fullback has averaged around 11,285 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working pickup of its type and rules out the worst-case scenarios of either long-term standing or extreme motorway use. The MOT records show consistent annual testing from 2023 onwards with no gaps, confirming regular use rather than extended lay-ups, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than spiking. That level of annual mileage means consumables such as brakes, tyres, bushes, and propshaft joints are working hard, and items flagged recently are likely to be approaching the end of their effective service life. There is no recorded gap suggesting the vehicle was off the road for multiple years, so concerns around seized calipers, perished fuel lines, or stale brake fluid from disuse are not strongly indicated by the history. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the front suspension and steering geometry, as the combination of inner-edge tyre wear and front brake wear on both sides is consistent with misalignment, worn wishbone bushes, or sagging front coil springs. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed bumps and rough roads, particularly through the nearside wheel, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking or a loose, wandering feel in the steering wheel on the motorway. Inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres for uneven feathering or stepped wear, and check that the tread depth is genuinely above 1.6mm across the full width rather than just in the centre. The front brake discs should be examined for a distinct lip on the outer edge and for any visible scoring or blueing from overheating, which would confirm they are due for replacement alongside the pads. The parking brake travel noted in August 2026 should be checked by applying the lever on a slope and confirming the vehicle holds firmly without needing the lever pulled excessively high up its travel, which would indicate rear brake shoe wear or stretched cables. Lift a wheel if possible to confirm the discs wear is within serviceable thickness and that the rear drums or discs have adequate material remaining. Beyond the flagged items, walk around the load bed and underbody for any signs of corrosion around the rear leaf spring mounts and chassis rails, as commercial pickups of this age frequently see surface rust in these areas even when not recorded at MOT. Finally, check for any oily residue around the propshaft, transfer box, and rear differential on the test drive, listening for any rumble or whine from the rear axle under load that could indicate the moderate annual mileage is beginning to take its toll on drivetrain bearings.