2009 Fiat Panda 1.1L Petrol · GL09 AZN

A clear and persistent corrosion pattern dominates this Fiat Panda's recent MOT history, centred on the rear coil springs and the exhaust system. Across seven consecutive test entries from 2018 to 2025, advisories for corroded rear coil springs appear in every single record, with the nearside and offside items flagged either individually or together depending on the year, and the exhaust has been noted as corroded throughout the same period. While the vehicle has passed each test outright, the recurrence of these specific defects points to progressive structural deterioration rather than isolated wear. The most recent examination on 5 December 2025 again recorded exhaust corrosion alongside corrosion on both rear coil springs, confirming that the trend is ongoing rather than resolved. Given that spring and exhaust corrosion are the typical precursors to MOT failure once material loss reaches a structural threshold, this is the mechanical issue most likely to convert an advisory into a fail at the next test. Mileage accumulation on this 17 year old Panda stands at 68,118 miles, equating to roughly 4,007 miles per year over its life, which is notably below average for the age and suggests periods of relatively light use or possible standing time. Testing has been consistent on an annual basis since 2018, with no extended gaps between examinations, so the recorded mileage cannot be cross checked against any obvious lay-up periods within the MOT dataset itself. The continuous annual testing pattern, combined with low annual mileage, indicates the vehicle has been kept on the road and presented for inspection regularly, which is positive from a compliance standpoint. The 2023 advisory for a binding offside front service brake, alongside similar binding advisories on both front brakes in 2021 and 2022, suggests intermittent caliper or slider issues that may relate to under use rather than wear from heavy driving. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority on inspection is a thorough physical examination of the rear suspension and exhaust. The rear coil springs should be visually checked for visible pitting, flaking, or any sections where the corrosion appears to have compromised the spring's cross section, particularly on the lower coils where road salt and moisture collect. Listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear over uneven surfaces, as corroded springs can fracture and produce audible rattles. The exhaust system warrants a check from the manifold back to the rear silencer, paying particular attention to the joint flanges, mounting rubbers, and the section near the rear box, looking for signs of thinning metal, blue smoke staining from blowing gaskets, or visible perforations. A road test should include firm braking from around 30 mph to confirm the car stops squarely without any pulling to one side, as the recurring front brake binding advisories warrant confirmation that the caliper slides are now moving freely and not causing uneven pad wear or drag. A close inspection of the front suspension components is advisable given the 2019 and 2020 advisories for worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides. With the wheel turned off camber and loaded against a kerb, attempt to rock each front wheel to detect any slack in the lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar links, and listen for clonking or creaking over speed humps and potholes, which typically points to worn bush material. The tyres should be examined for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, as the front tyre wear advisories recorded in 2021 and 2022 can indicate alignment issues or worn suspension geometry. Finally, with the engine running from cold, listen for any timing belt or water pump related rattling typical of the 1.2 litre unit, check for coolant leaks at the thermostat housing, and confirm the operation of all exterior lamps given the registration plate lamp minor defect recorded in 2024. A pre-purchase inspection on a ramp would be strongly recommended given the consistent rear spring advisories and the age of the vehicle.