2016 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · GP16 PCZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 July 2026 recorded a PASS, though accompanied by two minor items and three advisories that bear close scrutiny. The minor defects concern the offside front windscreen damage and severely deteriorated constant velocity boots on both the outer and inner joints of the offside front driveshaft. While classed as minors, the deteriorated CV boots represent an active mechanical concern that requires prompt rectification, as continued driving with compromised boots will allow grease to escape and contamination to enter, ultimately leading to joint failure and potential loss of drive. The advisories relating to inner edge tyre wear and a slightly distorted offside front road wheel are also noteworthy; persistent edge wear typically points to a tracking or suspension geometry issue, and a distorted wheel could indicate previous kerb impact, both of which warrant investigation. Reviewing the trajectory across the four most recent tests, the maintenance trend is arguably worsening, with recurring windscreen damage, persistent CV boot deterioration, and an increasingly cluttered advisory list concerning tyres and wheel condition, suggesting that the vehicle may benefit from more proactive mechanical attention. The recorded mileage of 62,599 miles over a ten-year period equates to an average annual usage of approximately 6,260 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no apparent extended gaps in the MOT timeline, and the test intervals suggest consistent use rather than prolonged periods of standing, which is generally favourable for avoiding the typical deterioration issues associated with low-use vehicles such as brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, and degraded battery cells. At this mileage, the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, clutch, and associated drivetrain should still have meaningful service life remaining, though the timing belt replacement interval is a critical consideration on this engine and should be verified by service history evidence. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring offside front issues flagged across multiple tests. The CV boots should be physically inspected for tears, splits, or grease deposits around the inner and outer joints, and on a test drive, listen for any clicking or knocking noises from the offside front when turning at full lock, which would indicate advanced joint wear. The offside front road wheel should be examined for run-out or visible distortion, and the nearside and offside front tyres checked for uneven or inner-edge wear patterns, which may necessitate a four-wheel alignment. Earlier advisories from the 2021 test concerning worn Macpherson strut top mounts and pins, as well as corroded rear coil springs and worn shock absorber bushes, suggest that the front suspension top mounts and rear spring/shocker assemblies warrant close inspection. Listen for clonking over speed humps or uneven surfaces and check for any excessive movement when the front wheels are rocked by hand. Given the vehicle is now a decade old and has covered a moderate distance, several age-related items merit physical verification regardless of the MOT outcome. All four tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, as this was flagged on earlier tests, and a visual check should be made of the offside front lower windscreen for any progression of damage that might eventually encroach on the driver's swept view. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as calendar-based degradation is common on a ten-year-old installation. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for corrosion pitting or seizing, particularly if the vehicle has been stored for any extended periods, and the condition of the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil should be assessed for time-based degradation, with services undertaken in accordance with manufacturer schedules. Confirmation of the timing belt replacement, turbocharger health, and clutch operation under load would round out a thorough appraisal.