2014 Fiat Fiorino 1.2L Diesel · FN14 WVL

The most recent MOT inspection on 20 March 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trend suggests a gradual decline in the condition of its suspension and steering components. While the vehicle has successfully passed several tests, the frequency of advisories and the recent failure in March 2026 indicate that wear and tear are accumulating faster than they are being addressed. The transition from minor advisories in 2025 to a major failure regarding a worn nearside rear upper shock absorber bush in early 2026 demonstrates that components are reaching the end of their functional life. This pattern suggests that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, it is entering a phase where more frequent and potentially more expensive mechanical repairs to the chassis and suspension will be required to maintain compliance. With a recorded mileage of 85,504 over approximately twelve years, this Fiat Fiorino has covered an average of roughly 7,125 miles per year. This represents relatively low annual usage, which is typical for a light commercial vehicle used for local deliveries or short-distance tasks. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can often lead to other issues such as component degradation from standing. In this specific case, the history of brake disc corrosion and the deterioration of rubber components like CV boots and anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers are consistent with a vehicle that may spend significant periods stationary or is driven on short, low-speed journeys where components do not always reach optimal operating temperatures to clear moisture and debris. During your test drive, you should pay close attention to the handling and ride quality, specifically looking for any knocking, clunking, or hollow thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. The recurring advisories for misting oil on both front shock absorbers suggest that the seals are beginning to fail, which will eventually lead to a total loss of damping capability and increased impact harshness. Furthermore, the recent failure of the nearside rear shock absorber bush and the advisory regarding play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage indicate that the suspension geometry may be compromised. You should listen for any steering wander or vibrations through the steering wheel, as these could be symptoms of the previously noted CV boot issues or worn steering linkages. You must also scrutinise the condition of the tyres and the braking system. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of tyres being worn close to the legal limit or unevenly worn on the edges, which often points to underlying alignment issues or worn suspension bushes. Check the sidewalls for any signs of perishing or cracking, which is common in vehicles with this usage profile. Regarding the brakes, the history of disc corrosion suggests you should check for any judder or pulsation under braking, which could indicate warped discs or binding calipers. Finally, given the age and mileage, ensure you verify the service history to confirm that essential time-based maintenance, such as brake fluid changes and coolant flushes, has been performed to prevent internal corrosion and component failure.