2013 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · LA51 MAS

The Abarth 595 holds a valid MOT issued on 26 May 2026 at 74,440 miles, but the maintenance trend is mixed rather than consistently improving. The most recent test passed, yet the examiner still flagged a corroded rear axle, albeit not seriously weakened, and recorded the rear passenger seats as missing. Just thirteen days earlier, on 13 May 2026, the car failed on exhaust emissions, a minor exhaust leak, excessive exhaust noise, and an overheating-related emissions abort. That narrow window suggests the exhaust issue was addressed quickly, but the missing rear seats and lingering axle corrosion point to cosmetic and structural neglect rather than thorough preventative upkeep. At roughly 5,726 miles per year over thirteen years, this is a notably low-mileage vehicle. The MOT record supports that profile cleanly. Mileage rose from 67,356 in March 2024 to 72,340 by May 2025, then to 74,354 by May 2026, showing steady but modest annual use of around 2,000 miles. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer readings, and the test frequency aligns with annual MOT cycles, so the history appears genuine and uninterrupted rather than artificially suppressed. A buyer should inspect the underside carefully, focusing on the rear axle where corrosion was formally noted in May 2026. The coil springs were flagged as corroded across all four corners in March 2024, and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint had slight play at the same test, so suspension bushes, ball joints, and spring seats deserve close scrutiny for ongoing deterioration. The front inner CV boots were split or insecure in May 2025 and severely deteriorated as early as March 2024, meaning the driveshaft joints may have been exposed to dirt and moisture for a considerable time; check for clicking under load and grease contamination. The exhaust system has been a recurring concern, with failures and a pass in quick succession around May 2026, so have a specialist assess the manifold, joints, and catalytic converter for leaks, cracks, and emissions compliance. Tyre wear has been flagged repeatedly, including a nail in the offside rear in May 2025 and front tyres nearing wear bands, suggesting alignment, inflation, or driving-style issues that may also point to suspension wear.