2009 Fiat Panda 1.1L Petrol · HJ59 OLT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift towards mechanical and structural neglect. While it passed its latest test in May 2026 at 26,414 miles, the tester identified seven separate issues that were absent in the previous year. The sudden appearance of a damaged offside engine mounting and an exhaust in poor condition suggests that the low-mileage usage has not prevented component degradation. The transition from a clean record to multiple advisories indicates a worsening mechanical state requiring immediate attention. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,554 miles per year. This usage pattern is evident in the gap between December 2023 and May 2024, where the car covered only 286 miles in five months. However, such low mileage often correlates with the issues seen in this record. The corrosion noted on the rear coil springs and suspension beam in late 2023 suggests the vehicle may have sat for long periods, allowing moisture to settle on components that benefit from regular use. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and braking system. The offside front wheel bearing has been flagged as noisy in both 2025 and 2026, indicating a persistent fault that has not been rectified. The front brake discs are now pitted and scored, while the imbalanced rear brakes from 2025 suggest the braking system is losing effectiveness. Furthermore, the front tyres are consistently reaching the legal limit with uneven wear, which likely points to an alignment issue or worn suspension bushes. The structural integrity of the rear underside remains a point of concern following the reported corrosion in late 2023. While the vehicle was wax oiled in May 2026, the depth of the rust on the suspension beam needs physical verification. The damaged offside engine mounting also requires replacement to prevent vibration and potential drivetrain strain. Given the recent cluster of defects, the vehicle appears to suffer from reactive maintenance rather than proactive care despite its low odometer reading.