2018 Abarth 124 Spider Multiair 1.4L Petrol · GL68 SVR

A clear theme of tyre deterioration has emerged across the MOT record of this 2018 Abarth 124 Spider, with perishing first flagged on all four corners in April 2023 and a further advisory issued in March 2026 noting cracking around the outer walls of all tyres. While both instances resulted in pass outcomes, the repetition of sidewall ageing on a relatively low-mileage convertible is worth noting, particularly because the 124 Spider uses specific profile tyres that can be costly to replace in matched sets. The March 2026 test also produced a clean pass with no advisories beyond the tyres, and the intervening examinations in 2022, 2024 and 2025 were entirely free of recorded or advisory items, suggesting no underlying structural or corrosion concerns have yet been captured by the DVSA. The single non-tyre advisory, recorded in 2023, noted rear brake disc wear with pitting and scoring on the inner surfaces, an item that did not reappear in subsequent tests. With 21,491 miles recorded over eight years, this Abarth has covered an average of roughly 2,686 miles annually, a notably low figure for a sports convertible. The annual MOT history shows no gaps in testing, so the vehicle has remained registered and in use throughout its life, but the modest annual accumulation means that consumable wear should be lighter than on a higher-mileage example. That said, low mileage on a roadster can bring its own considerations; seals, hoses and soft components that benefit from regular use can deteriorate with infrequent driving, and the 124 Spider's convertible roof mechanism deserves particular scrutiny after years of light service. A prospective buyer should begin by inspecting the current set of tyres closely, paying attention to sidewall cracking depth, tread depth across the full width, and manufacturing date stamps, as the recorded advisories confirm an ongoing susceptibility to perishing even at low mileage. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front and rear suspension over uneven surfaces, as the 124 Spider uses conventional wishbone and multi-link arrangements whose bushes and anti-roll bar drop links can wear quietly over time. Check for uneven tyre wear across the axle, as irregular camber or worn suspension components often present as feathered inner or outer edges rather than even wear across the tread. The rear brake system warrants particular attention given the pitted and scored discs flagged in 2023; on the road, feel for any judder through the brake pedal under firm application, which can indicate disc run-out following uneven corrosion between test cycles. With the car stationary, inspect the inner faces of the rear discs through the wheel spokes for a pronounced lip or visible grooving, and verify that the caliper slides freely without binding. Finally, given the convertible body style, examine the hood fabric and rear screen for wear or separation, operate the roof mechanism fully to confirm smooth latching, and check the underbody and rear subframe mounting points for any surface rust, as the 124 Spider's chassis can be vulnerable to corrosion in areas exposed to road salt despite its generally clean MOT presentation.