2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LL09 WWB

Across seven recorded DVSA tests spanning 2021 to late August 2026, this 2009 Fiat 500 has produced a mixed roadworthiness picture rather than a consistently clean one. The most recent examination on 21 August 2026 resulted in a pass, and an oil leak advisory reappeared — the same item flagged on the September 2025 test, meaning a minor seep has now been carried forward across two consecutive MOTs without resolution. Two failures sit in the record, both rectified at subsequent tests: a September 2022 failure covering headlamp aim on both sides, an insecure front exhaust silencer, and a binding nearside rear brake, followed by an August 2024 major failure for an excessively damaged offside front brake hose with the rubber insulation missing and wire reinforcement exposed. A binding nearside rear service brake was also noted as an advisory in 2022, suggesting the rear brake mechanism on that side was a developing issue at that point. While the car has passed four of its last five tests with no recorded advisories, the repeated appearance of the oil leak and the nature of the two failures warrant careful attention. At 102,765 miles on a 17-year-old vehicle, annual mileage works out at roughly 6,045 miles per year, which is broadly typical for the car's age and not suggestive of either heavy commercial use or extended periods off the road. There are no significant gaps in the testing history between 2021 and 2026, with tests recorded annually, and the mileage progression appears steady rather than displaying any sudden jumps. That said, the cumulative wear on a 1.2 or 1.4-litre Fiat 500 chassis at this odometer reading is meaningful: suspension linkages, engine and gearbox seals, exhaust mounting points, and brake hydraulics will all have seen considerable service life. A relatively modest annual mileage also means the vehicle is likely to have completed many short journeys, which can promote corrosion in the exhaust and underfloor areas and accelerate oil leak development through repeated cold starts. The persistent oil leak advisory on both 2025 and 2026 tests is the single most consistent live concern. On inspection, look for fresh oil residue on the lower engine block, cam cover gasket edges, and sump joint, and check the underside of the engine bay and undertray for weeping. A small drip left on a garage floor overnight, or a slight burning smell from the engine bay during a test drive, would indicate the seep is worsening. Given the car's age and mileage, an oil leak from the cam cover gasket or sump is the most common origin, and even when classed as not excessive, it warrants prompt attention before it progresses to dripping onto the exhaust or catalytic converter. Smelling for blue exhaust smoke on overrun after the engine is warm will help confirm whether oil is being burnt internally. The September 2022 advisory for a binding nearside rear service brake, combined with the August 2024 failure of the offside front brake hose, points to hydraulic and mechanical wear that should be examined directly. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, squealing, or dragging noise from the rear nearside wheel, and feel whether the car pulls to one side under firm braking or whether the pedal feels soft or spongy — both of which can indicate caliper sticking or hose deterioration. Inspect the offside front brake line visually for any cracking, swelling, or corrosion, as braided hoses on older Fiats can perish. The exhaust silencer insecurity flagged in 2022 should also be rechecked by hand underneath for movement or rattles over bumps, since exhaust mounts commonly fail on this model. Finally, verify the headlamp alignment visually against a flat wall at night, as the 2022 failure on both sides suggests the levelling mechanism or adjusters may have been disturbed since.