2018 Abarth 124 Spider Multiair Auto 1.4L Petrol · KS68 MHF

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2026-01-07, passing with minor suspension bush wear noted on both rear arms — a condition classified as very slight play and not yet critical. However, the maintenance trend shows a clear worsening in brake system integrity over the past four years, with corrosion and wear escalating from minor scoring to significant inner disc degradation, culminating in a failure in early 2025. The fact that the same rear brake components failed twice in consecutive tests suggests either incomplete repair or continued neglect, raising concerns about long-term reliability despite passing the latest inspection. Mileage progression is unusually low for an eight-year-old vehicle, with 38,166 miles recorded as of the latest test — averaging just under 4,800 miles annually. The gap between the 2022 test at 19,150 miles and the 2024 test at 25,700 miles indicates roughly 6,500 miles over two years, followed by a jump to 32,265 miles by early 2025, then a further 5,900 miles to 38,166 by January 2026. This pattern suggests periods of infrequent use, possibly with long storage intervals, which can accelerate wear on suspension components, brake calipers, and drivetrain seals due to lack of cycling. The low annual average supports the notion of gentle use, but also implies that critical wear may have gone unnoticed for extended periods. Buyers should inspect the rear suspension bushes and control arms closely, as the 2026 test flagged very slight play — a precursor to more serious alignment or handling issues if left unaddressed. The brake system requires urgent attention: the inner rear disc corrosion noted in 2025 was more than 50% degraded, and the prior 2024 failure involved pitting and near-limit tread wear on both rear tyres. These are not minor issues — they indicate a pattern of deferred maintenance. Check for binding calipers, rusted brake lines, and structural corrosion around the rear subframe, especially if the vehicle has been exposed to wet or coastal conditions. The tyres, already near legal limit in 2024, should be replaced immediately if not already done, as continued use risks uneven wear or failure. The vehicle’s mechanical condition is currently acceptable for road use, but the history reveals a troubling pattern of brake neglect and suspension wear that may indicate inconsistent upkeep. While the car has been maintained enough to pass inspections, the recurring nature of the brake failures suggests that underlying issues may not have been fully resolved. A buyer should treat this as a vehicle requiring immediate, thorough inspection of the rear braking system and suspension, and budget for replacement of the rear brake discs and tyres as a matter of urgency. The low mileage is a positive, but does not negate the mechanical concerns flagged in the MOT record.