2008 Fiat Fiorino 1.2L Diesel · GC08 DOG

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 March 2026 resulted in a pass for this 2008 Fiat Fiorino, although the report carries advisories for corrosion to both the nearside and offside rear coil springs. These advisories are not new; identical entries were raised at the February 2025 test, indicating that the deterioration of the rear springs has been noted over at least two consecutive MOT cycles. A rear axle corrosion advisory was also recorded in February 2024 alongside a sub-frame corrosion advisory in January 2023, so a clear pattern of structural and suspension-related surface corrosion is developing. The two failures in the history were both relatively minor – an insufficient washer fluid issue and the same advisory items – and there is no evidence of any advisory or defect being rectified and then recurring in a more serious form. Overall, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a steadily accumulating list of advisories centred on corrosion, which is typical of a vehicle of this age. The recorded mileage of 82,514 against an 18-year vehicle age equates to an average of around 4,584 miles per year, which is notably low and strongly suggests periods of standing or very light use. MOT records do not flag any anomalous mileage jumps, and the relatively even gap between tests implies the odometer has progressed in a normal, gradual fashion. From a mechanical standpoint, this kind of low annual mileage is generally kinder to wear items such as the clutch, engine internals and gearbox, but it can be punishing for components that suffer from inactivity. Standing periods encourage brake disc surface corrosion, calliper seizure from corroding pistons and slider pins, exhaust system oxidation, and deterioration of rubber components such as gaiters, bushes and seals that harden and crack without regular flexing. A prospective buyer should therefore concentrate less on high-mileage wear and more on the consequences of low usage and advancing age. The rear coil spring corrosion advisories warrant a physical inspection beneath the vehicle to confirm that the spring material remains structurally sound, as corroded springs can fracture without warning and cause a sudden loss of ride height or handling. The rear axle and sub-frame corrosion items should also be re-examined for any progression, particularly around mounting points and load-bearing sections, as these are areas where rust can advance from surface-level to structurally significant in a short period. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or rattles from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, as these can indicate perished bushes, loose top mounts or compromised springs. It would also be prudent to carry out a careful visual and functional check of items commonly affected by age and standing. Inspect all four tyres for perishing of the sidewalls and tread face, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and verify that the sidewalls are free from cracks. Examine the front brake discs on the inner and outer faces for lipping and severe pitting – the history already records pitted front discs on more than one occasion – and confirm that the callipers are releasing cleanly without binding. Check that the 12-volt battery holds a good state of charge and is not suffering from sulphation, that the power steering system is free from leaks and noises, and that the coolant, brake fluid and engine oil are all within their recommended service intervals, as time-based fluid degradation is a common oversight on lightly used vehicles. Finally, confirm the operation of all electric windows in light of the historic inoperative window advisory and verify that the headlamp lenses are clear enough to pass a future MOT, as the previous lens defect advisory suggests this is an area that may soon need attention.