2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · HJ06 ADE

A clean and uninterrupted run of three subsequent pass results with no defects recorded, the most recent of which was issued on 28 July 2026, suggests that the front brake binding issue which caused a fail in August 2024 has been resolved and has not reappeared in the two tests since. That said, the August 2024 test does reveal a cluster of front-end concerns that any prospective buyer should weigh carefully. A major defect was recorded against the offside front service brake for excessively binding, alongside advisories for light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber and wear or pitting on the offside front brake disc. While the subsequent passes are reassuring, binding calipers and pitted discs can recur, particularly on a car of this age, so the resolution is not automatically permanent and a physical inspection of the offside front corner remains essential. With 45,996 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, the annual accumulation works out at roughly 4,181 miles, which is low for a 2015 Fiat 500. This sort of usage profile typically means lighter wear on the engine, clutch and gearbox internals, but it also raises the prospect of extended periods of standing. Low-mileage examples are more prone to corrosion in hidden areas, dried and cracked suspension bushes, sticking brake calipers from infrequent use, and underbody deterioration that may not have been examined under the strict MOT visual checks. The presence of corrosion advisories on both rear spring seat mounting areas in October 2023, even though they were not classed as excessive at that point, is consistent with a car that has spent significant time exposed to the elements rather than being driven regularly on winter-treated roads. Given the front brake and shock absorber history, a buyer should physically inspect the offside front corner before committing to purchase. With the engine running and the car in drive, listen for any ticking, humming or scraping from the offside front wheel area that could indicate the brake caliper is sticking again or the shock absorber is failing internally. On a test drive, pay particular attention to steering pull to the right under braking, any judder through the pedal, uneven tyre wear on the offside front, and the way the front end behaves over bumps, as renewed knocking or excess body movement would point to either shock absorber failure or worn suspension components related to the earlier oil misting advisory. The rear suspension corrosion flagged in 2023 is also worth re-examining, even though it was classed as advisory rather than a failure at the time. Corrosion on spring mounting areas can advance over the intervening years, particularly on a car that may have been stored outside, so a thorough inspection from underneath with a torch or on a ramp is advisable. Look for any flaking, bubbling or perforation around the spring seats and surrounding bodywork, and check that the rear ride height remains level and free of clonking noises over uneven surfaces. Finally, given the low annual mileage, it would be prudent to verify that the most recent brake fluid and coolant changes fall within their recommended intervals, and to budget for fresh tyres, a 12V battery replacement and a full service including any timing belt or auxiliary drive belt attention due on age rather than mileage alone.