2014 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LD14 XLC

The 2014 Fiat 500 most recently passed its MOT test on 31 October 2025 with a single advisory relating to a minor exhaust gas leak from the flexi pipe. This latest result continues a generally stable maintenance trend, as the vehicle has passed each annual assessment since a previous failure in November 2021. The recent advisories, while not warranting immediate remedial action at the time of test, point to components that warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The pattern of passing tests without major defects across multiple consecutive years suggests the car has been reasonably maintained, though the advisory entries should not be dismissed when evaluating the vehicle's current roadworthy condition. The recorded mileage of 85,638 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 7,136 miles, which is consistent with typical mileage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT records indicate reasonably consistent annual mileage accumulation without significant gaps or unusually rapid accumulation, suggesting the car has been in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods. While regular use is generally beneficial for mechanical components, the mileage is sufficient that typical wear items such as suspension components, brake friction materials, and drivetrain consumables will have experienced meaningful service life and may be approaching replacement intervals. Reviewing the historical defects reveals two areas of particular concern that a prospective buyer should investigate carefully. The November 2021 failure identified a worn nearside front upper Macpherson strut top bush or bearing with excessive wear or free play, a condition that can recur and significantly affect handling and roadholding. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking sounds from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or during full-lock manoeuvres, and pay attention to any vagueness or wander in the steering. The strut top bearing also permits noise transmission when turning the steering wheel from rest. Given the age and mileage, it would be prudent to physically inspect the front suspension for perished or cracked bushes, weeping shock absorbers, and worn top mounts, as these items commonly require replacement on a twelve year old vehicle. Additionally, ensure that no dashboard warning lights illuminate regarding steering or suspension systems. The exhaust flexi pipe advisory from 2025 warrants a thorough physical inspection from underneath the vehicle, as these flexible sections commonly deteriorate with age and heat cycling, often presenting as a ticking or hissing sound that increases with engine revs. While the vehicle was not driven in a test drive, physically inspect all flexible sections and joints for soot staining, surface cracks, or audible leaks. The front brake disc advisory from 2022 also suggests that the discs may now require measurement to confirm they remain within serviceable thickness limits, and any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel during test drive deceleration would indicate probable disc warping. Beyond these specific items, given the vehicle's age, attention should be directed toward age-related degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking, which is common on older tyres regardless of tread depth, verify the 12V battery health as batteries typically require replacement every five to seven years, and examine all brake calipers for signs of seizing or binding which often occurs on vehicles used for short urban journeys. Finally, confirm the service history to verify that brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid have been changed at appropriate intervals, since fluid replacement is time-sensitive rather than solely mileage-dependent.