2014 Abarth 500 1.4L Petrol · HV14 WFP

The Abarth 500 currently holds a valid MOT issued on 14 November 2025 at 94,088 miles, but the record reveals a pattern of recurring defects rather than a clean bill of health. The most recent test began as a failure on the same day, citing insecure rear brake cables on both sides, a binding nearside rear service brake, and an incorrectly fitted noisy exhaust at the rear. The retest passed with the brake cable and headlamp aim faults rectified, yet the rear exhaust remained non-compliant, and the binding brake advisory carried over. This suggests a partial repair approach rather than thorough preventative maintenance. The maintenance trend is stable to slightly worsening, with exhaust noise appearing consistently since 2022 and brake-related advisories persisting across multiple test cycles. The vehicle has covered 94,088 miles over approximately twelve years, averaging around 7,841 miles per year. This is typical for its age and does not raise concerns about excessive use or suspiciously low standing time. Mileage progression is steady: 65,875 miles in November 2022, 76,142 in November 2023, 86,708 in November 2024, and 94,088 in November 2025. The annual increments of roughly 10,000 to 12,000 miles indicate regular use without dramatic gaps or sudden accumulation that might suggest odometer tampering or prolonged storage neglect. Buyers should pay close attention to the rear braking system during any pre-purchase inspection. The insecure rear brake cables flagged in the November 2025 failure, combined with the persistent binding nearside rear service brake, point to either a poorly executed repair or an underlying issue with the rear caliper, cable routing, or handbrake mechanism. The pitted rear brake discs and thin rear pads noted in the November 2023 test at 76,142 miles further confirm that rear brake components have been a recurring wear point. A thorough inspection of the rear calipers for seized slides, uneven pad wear, and cable condition is essential. The exhaust system also warrants close scrutiny. The advisory for a noisy exhaust has appeared in every MOT since 2022, and the November 2025 test specifically noted a wrong exhaust fitted at the rear. This suggests either a pattern of fitting non-standard replacement parts or a failure to address a deteriorating exhaust properly. A physical check for corrosion, gas leaks, and aftermarket fitment is strongly advised. The repeated rear tyre wear advisories in 2023 and 2024, describing wear to the legal limit and edge wear, indicate possible rear alignment issues or worn suspension bushes that may still be present. A four-wheel alignment check and visual inspection of rear suspension components, including trailing arm bushes and shock absorbers, would be prudent before committing to purchase.