2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LC59 BVY

The vehicle presents a concerning downward trend in mechanical consistency, moving from a period of clean passes to recurring failures in the most recent testing cycle. While the 2025-08-18 pass at 30,923 miles shows the car is currently roadworthy, the preceding failure on 2025-08-07 highlights immediate issues with lighting and braking. The tester flagged an incorrect headlamp aim and a non-functional offside rear fog lamp, alongside a binding nearside rear service brake. This binding brake issue was noted as a minor defect in the August 2025 pass, suggesting the underlying cause was not fully rectified or has persisted since the failure. The mileage profile indicates exceptionally low usage for a 2009 vehicle, averaging roughly 1,800 miles per year. The record shows a significant period of stagnation between 2021 and 2024, where the mileage only increased from 18,676 to 19,568 miles over three years. A sudden increase occurred between the August 2024 test and the August 2025 test, where the odometer jumped from 19,568 to 30,702 miles. This rapid accumulation of over 11,000 miles in a single year contrasts sharply with the previous decade of light use, which may place sudden stress on components that have sat idle for long periods. Prospective buyers must scrutinise the braking system and tyre condition closely. The recurring mention of a binding nearside rear brake in both the August 2025 failure and subsequent pass suggests potential issues with the caliper or parking brake mechanism. Previous advisories regarding perishing nearside front tyres in 2022 and 2023, combined with the low annual mileage, point to age-related rubber degradation rather than tread wear. The 2021 report of a corroded rear exhaust silencer also necessitates a physical inspection of the underside to ensure structural corrosion has not progressed beyond the exhaust system.