2016 Fiat Punto 1.2L Petrol · HY16 FVE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift towards developing structural corrosion and component wear. While the most recent test in March 2026 at 65,712 miles passed, it introduced three new advisories regarding a rough steering system, a deteriorated exhaust, and a perished nearside rear tyre. These issues represent a departure from the clean record seen in 2024, suggesting that the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related degradation requires proactive attention. The mileage pattern is consistent with a ten-year-old vehicle averaging approximately 6,500 miles per annum. Between February 2023 at 51,755 miles and the March 2025 failure at 61,904 miles, the car covered roughly 10,000 miles. This steady usage suggests regular operation rather than long periods of stagnation. However, the low annual mileage often correlates with accelerated drying of rubber components and surface corrosion, which aligns with the recent findings of perished tyres and deteriorated boots. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the front sub-frame and rear suspension arms, as these were flagged for corrosion in early 2025. Although they were described as not seriously weakened at that time, rust on Fiat components tends to progress rapidly if untreated. The steering system should also be checked for play or resistance, given the 2026 advisory and the previous failure regarding a damaged front track rod end ball joint cover. The exhaust system has been a recurring point of concern since 2023, indicating it is likely nearing the end of its functional life.