2018 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · KS18 AAU

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 July 2026 resulted in a PASS, although three advisories were issued which warrant close attention. The near-side front tyre has a nail embedded in it, a defect which may have been repaired but should be verified, while the off-side rear tyre was recorded as worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, indicating possible suspension misalignment or uneven wear progression. Additionally, the rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin, which is a direct carryover concern from the major front brake defects recorded at the previous test. Looking at the broader trend, the 2025 test initially failed on dangerous front brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm, significantly worn front brake discs, and excessively worn bushes on both rear shock absorbers, before passing three days later after remedial work. The cluster of suspension and braking advisories across consecutive tests suggests an emerging pattern of wear that is progressing rather than stabilising, particularly given that rear brake pad wear was flagged in both the 2025 failure and the 2026 pass. The recorded mileage of 54,760 miles over eight years equates to an annual average of approximately 6,845 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with mixed private and occasional use. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history to suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor are there clusters of high annual mileages that would indicate motorway commuting or heavy continuous use. That said, the Abarth 595 is a performance-oriented derivative of the Fiat 500, and even at moderate annual mileages its braking system and suspension components can be subjected to higher thermal and dynamic loads than a standard supermini, which can accelerate wear on discs, pads, and bushes. The fact that brake and suspension components have already required replacement or close monitoring by the time the vehicle reaches its mid-fifties mileage bracket indicates that future buyers should anticipate similar maintenance intervals continuing. A prospective buyer should treat the rear brake pad advisory as an immediate budgeting item, as pads reaching the wear indicator threshold on the 2026 test will likely require replacement within the next several thousand miles, particularly if combined with spirited driving which suits this car's character. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or vibration through the brake pedal, as the 2025 test confirmed the front discs were significantly worn and may have been machined or replaced, but disc run-out or warping under heavy braking remains a possibility. Uneven tyre wear, particularly the off-side rear edge wear noted on the latest advisory, can manifest as steering pull, tramlines on wet roads, or reduced rear stability, and warrants a four-wheel alignment check and inspection of rear suspension geometry, including trailing arms and bushes which share the same load path as the shock absorber mountings that previously failed. Beyond the recorded defects, an eight-year-old performance vehicle with this mileage profile warrants several age-appropriate physical inspections before purchase. Check the sidewalls of all tyres for cracking, perishing, or UV degradation, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and confirm that the nail in the near-side front tyre has been properly repaired with an internal patch rather than a temporary plug. Inspect the 12V battery, which on a car of this vintage is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested, particularly if the vehicle has been used for short journeys only. Examine the brake discs for any surface corrosion or binding calipers, which can occur from infrequent use, and verify the service history to confirm timely replacement of coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil, all of which degrade with time rather than mileage. Finally, the previous replacement of the rear shock absorber bushes should be documented, as these components typically wear progressively and a receipt confirming quality parts were fitted will provide reassurance that the failure was not symptomatic of broader rear axle deterioration.