2016 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · LB65 DTO

A decade-old Fiat Panda carrying 68,570 miles presents a roadworthiness profile that is, on the available evidence, remarkably clean. The most recent MOT on 26 March 2026 was passed with no advisories or defects recorded, and this is consistent with the preceding tests at the start of 2024, 2025, and 2023, all of which returned clean passes. The one anomaly in the file is a duplicate entry on 18 January 2023 showing a failure with no defects recorded, which is consistent with a procedural or administrative test rather than a genuine mechanical defect, particularly given that an immediate re-test on the same day returned a pass. Over the recorded period there is no pattern of recurring advisories for brake component wear, suspension deterioration, exhaust integrity, or structural corrosion, suggesting that the vehicle has been maintained within roadworthy tolerances throughout its life. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a ten-year-old city car, averaging around 6,800 miles per year, which is consistent with the type of urban and short-journey use the Panda was designed for. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record from 2023 onwards, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate rather than showing large unexplained jumps. This kind of consistent, moderate usage tends to be mechanically sympathetic to small-capacity vehicles, as the engine, clutch, cooling system, and battery are exercised regularly without the prolonged periods of standing that accelerate deterioration of rubber seals, brake calipers, and exhaust mounting rubbers. Equally, the mileage is not so high as to indicate excessive wear on the clutch, gearbox synchros, or suspension linkages, although a ten-year-old Panda at this mileage will inevitably have some age-related degradation. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any recorded advisories means there are no specific components flagged for immediate attention, but the age and modest mileage still warrant a focused physical inspection and test drive. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, where worn anti-roll bar drop links, top mounts, and coil springs are common on Pandas of this era; listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear which can indicate geometry issues stemming from worn bushes. The rear brake drums and front brake calipers are known for seizing on low-mileage urban cars, so test from cold with the engine off to feel whether the handbrake holds firmly on a slope, and during the road test listen for any scraping or grinding that could indicate a binding caliper pad sitting against the disc. On the test drive itself, the 1.2-litre Twinair or 1.4-litre engines fitted to this generation can develop wear in the clutch release bearing and dual-mass flywheel, so any rattling on idle that disappears with the clutch pressed, or judder when pulling away in first gear, should be investigated. The steering rack on higher-mileage Pandas is prone to knocking, particularly over rough roads, while oil leaks from the cam cover gasket and sump plug area are typical age-related issues worth checking visually. Finally, inspect the underside for any bubbling paint or surface corrosion on the subframe, sill seams, and rear axle beam, as the Panda's flat underbody can trap moisture and road salt, particularly given the vehicle's likely exposure to winter road treatments over its ten years of service.