2018 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · FX68 FWP

The 2018 Fiat Panda presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 20 September 2025 at 43,831 miles with zero defects recorded. That result is significant because it follows a period of recurring tyre-related advisories and a failure in 2022. The most recent test demonstrates that the immediate defects have been rectified, and no new mechanical or structural concerns were identified at the last inspection. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, a fully clean MOT is a positive indicator of baseline roadworthiness. The mileage profile tells a clear story of low, consistent use. Between the October 2022 test at 14,116 miles and the October 2023 test at 23,190 miles, the car covered 9,074 miles in twelve months. The following year, from October 2023 to October 2024, it added 10,641 miles, and then from October 2024 to September 2025, it recorded exactly 10,000 miles. This equates to roughly 5,479 miles per year over its life, which is well below the UK average of around 7,000 to 8,000 miles annually. The steady accumulation suggests regular use rather than prolonged standing, which reduces the risk of deterioration from inactivity such as seized brakes, flat-spotted tyres, or fuel system issues. The 2022 failure on 7 October at 14,116 miles flagged a structural bulge in the nearside rear inner tyre, indicating internal separation of the carcass. That same day, a separate test at the same mileage passed, suggesting the tyre was replaced before the second attempt. The 2024 advisory on 2 October at 33,831 miles noted cracking or perishing in the nearside rear tyre tread area, a separate defect on the same corner of the vehicle. Two rear tyre issues on the nearside in close succession point to either a persistent alignment or suspension geometry problem affecting that corner, or simply a pattern of neglecting tyre condition between tests. A prospective buyer should inspect the nearside rear suspension components, including the shock absorber, coil spring, and trailing arm bushes, for uneven wear patterns. The rear brake caliper on that side should also be checked for binding, as a dragging caliper can generate excessive localised heat and accelerate tyre degradation. Beyond the tyre history, the clean 2025 result provides reasonable confidence in the vehicle's structural integrity and exhaust emissions at that point in time. However, a physical inspection of the underside for corrosion, particularly around the sills, subframe mounting points, and exhaust system, remains advisable. The Panda's compact city-car duty cycle means it may have endured repeated short journeys, which can accelerate moisture-related corrosion in the exhaust and underbody even when mileage appears low. A test drive should focus on suspension noise over rough surfaces, brake feel under firm application, and any pulling to one side that might indicate the underlying cause of the recurring nearside rear tyre wear.