2015 Fiat Punto 1.2L Petrol · FM65 SYU

A persistent pattern of structural, steering, and tyre maintenance defects defines the recent mechanical history of this Fiat Punto, culminating in a failed MOT test on January 12 2026 with a dangerous safety rating due to an illegal nearside front tyre. The most recent examination also recorded a fractured offside rear coil spring, excessive play in the nearside track rod end, an inoperative offside parking brake, and an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. This follows a previous failure in February 2024 that similarly involved a dangerous illegal tyre alongside lighting and washer defects, indicating a recurring trend of deferred consumable upkeep that directly compromises roadworthiness. Accumulating 110,956 miles across its roughly eleven-year lifespan yields an average annual usage of approximately 10,087 miles, placing the vehicle squarely within typical mileage brackets for its age. This consistent yearly mileage accumulation means the drivetrain, steering rack, and suspension assemblies have experienced regular operational wear rather than prolonged periods of stationary deterioration. However, the higher cumulative mileage combined with the recent spate of steering and suspension failures highlights the reality that major chassis components are now reaching natural fatigue limits and require heightened scrutiny. Inspecting the vehicle on a test drive requires focused attention on the front axle and rear suspension, given the recent replacement and failure history of these areas. Listen carefully for sharp knocks, clunks, or metallic twangs from the rear corners when traversing speed humps or rough road surfaces, which would indicate a compromised replacement coil spring or failing mountings. Pay close attention to the steering feel for any excessive play, vagueness on the straight-ahead, or a pull to one side that would signal ongoing wear in the track rod ends or steering geometry, and verify that the handbrake firmly holds the car on a steep incline without uneven engagement. Further examination of the service items noted in past tests is essential before finalising a purchase, specifically verifying the physical security and aim of the offside headlamp and ensuring all directional indicators and stop lamps operate without fault. Check the windscreen washer output to confirm adequate fluid delivery following its previous failure, and thoroughly inspect the tread depth and wear patterns across all four tyres to ensure the previously flagged legal compliance issues have been fully resolved. A comprehensive inspection of the braking system is also warranted to ensure the parking brake imbalance has been properly rectified at the callipers or cables.