2008 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · FV08 RMZ

Verdict for a 2008 FIAT 500 (97,842 mi) The most recent MOT (29 August 2025) was a pass, but it recorded a corroded rear‑suspension component – noted as “not seriously weakened” – and the rear axle beam was also highlighted. This follows a similar comment in the 2024‑08‑20 pass, where the off‑side front shock absorber showed light oil misting. The 2024‑08‑19 failure and the 2025‑08‑27 failure both listed the same front‑shock issue, plus a number of other defects (exposed tyre ply, parking‑brake inefficiency and a faulty off‑side front tyre). Recurring pattern - Suspension: Corrosion on rear‑suspension parts appears in both 2024 and 2025 entries, suggesting ongoing exposure to moisture. - Front shock absorbers: Light oil misting in 2024 and “negligible damping effect” in 2025 indicate progressive loss of shock performance. - Brakes/parking brake: The 2025 failure recorded a parking‑brake efficiency below 50 % and a loss of effort on the off‑side rear secondary brake. No repeat comment in later passes, but the issue should be verified. - Tyres/lighting: Isolated tyre damage (exposed ply, nail) and a headlamp failure were recorded in 2024; these are typical wear items but still require checking. Trend assessment The vehicle has alternated between pass and fail each year. The most recent result is a pass, but the same corrosion note re‑appears, and the front‑shock problem has worsened from “light misting” to “negligible damping”.