2004 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · LD04 XAS

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a clean pass in December 2023 at 77,759 miles. However, the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs where faults are only addressed immediately upon failure rather than through preventative maintenance. While the most recent test showed no defects, the trend indicates a history of allowing critical suspension and braking components to reach failure. The vehicle consistently fails its MOT shortly before the expiry, suggesting the owner only performs the minimum work required for legal compliance. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 77,759 miles is remarkably low, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to age rather than mechanical wear. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the car covered only 3,046 miles, yet it suffered significant mechanical failures including suspension arm bushes and shock absorbers. This disparity confirms that the low mileage has not protected the vehicle, which has suffered from dry rot and material fatigue despite the low distance travelled. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the record shows recurring issues with worn suspension arm bushes, anti-roll bar linkages, and leaking shock absorbers. The tester flagged a persistent oil leak in 2019 and 2022, which requires a close look to ensure it has not worsened into a major seal failure. The history of thin brake pads and uneven tyre wear also points to potential alignment issues or neglected braking service intervals. Given the age of this Fiat Panda, the chassis must be inspected for structural corrosion, as the MOT records do not detail the state of the underbody or sills.