2009 Fiat Scudo 1.6L Diesel · LC59 LMX

The vehicle cleared the most recent MOT on 16 November 2022 at 171,069 miles, but the tester recorded a front oil leak, slight play in the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball joint, and corrosion on the front subframe mounting area. Those items are advisory rather than prohibitive, indicating the car is roadworthy but carries minor defects that merit monitoring. The pattern of recurring lamp failures and wiper‑blade wear, combined with the recent suspension‑arm play, suggests a stable but not improving maintenance trend. At 171,069 miles the 2009 FIAT Scudo averages roughly 10,000 miles per year, which sits within normal usage for its age. A notable surge occurred between 28 November 2016 (63,858 miles) and 6 October 2018 (138,127 miles), where mileage rose by over 74,000 miles in less than two years, implying a period of intensive use. After 2018 the accumulation slowed, with increases of about 14,000 miles to November 2020 and roughly 18,000 miles to the latest test, indicating a return to lighter duty. A prospective buyer should verify the front oil leak source, checking for any seepage around the valve cover or oil filter housing, and confirm that the ball joint play does not exceed safe limits by inspecting the lower suspension arm for wear. The subframe mounting area should be examined for rust progression, especially where corrosion was noted. Brake hoses, particularly the near‑side front hose flagged as excessively damaged in the 2021 test, must be inspected for cracking, and the condition of the brake pads should be confirmed given the thin‑pad advisory in 2018. Lamp operation – rear stop lamps and headlamp aim – and the condition of both wiper blades and the CV boot on the near‑side front drive shaft should be checked, as these items have recurred across several tests. Addressing these points will clarify whether the advisory defects are isolated or indicative of broader wear.