2013 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LL13 LMM

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 June 2026 resulted in a pass, although an advisory was issued for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Looking at the broader test history, the overall maintenance trend is showing signs of deterioration rather than stable condition. The vehicle has now produced advisories or failures related to front suspension components at four consecutive tests from 2020 through 2024, culminating in a fail on 15 August 2024 for an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint. The repeated nature of the front suspension advisories, particularly the ball joint wear flagged on the offside in 2020 and 2021 and then on both sides by 2024, suggests progressive component degradation rather than an isolated incident. The pattern of nearside front tyre wear advisories appearing at three consecutive tests from 2024 to 2025, followed by an offside front advisory in 2026, also indicates a persistent tracking, geometry, or suspension geometry issue that the owner may not have fully rectified. With a recorded mileage of 90,016 miles across approximately 13 years, the vehicle is averaging around 6,924 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small city car of this type. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage progression, and the accumulation rate appears consistent with regular but modest use. For a Fiat 500 of this age and mileage, the mechanical implications are largely centred on wear of consumable components such as suspension bushes, ball joints, brake discs and pads, clutch actuation, and ageing rubber components, rather than major drivetrain concerns. The mileage itself is not excessive, but the recurring advisories suggest the front suspension has been working hard, possibly compounded by urban driving conditions with frequent low-speed manoeuvres and kerb contact. A prospective buyer should treat the front suspension history as the primary area of concern and conduct a thorough physical inspection and test drive before purchase. Pay particular attention to any knocking or clunking from the front end over speed humps, uneven or feathered wear across the front tyres indicating geometry or component wear, and excessive free play when the front wheels are rocked by hand. The offside front ball joint that failed in 2024 should be confirmed as having been replaced with a quality component, and the nearside bushes flagged as borderline in the same test should be checked for any further deterioration. The recurring tyre edge wear on the nearside then offside front strongly suggests a persistent geometry issue, so a four-wheel alignment check should be considered and any worn tyres replaced as a matched pair on the same axle. Beyond the documented history, this 13 year old example warrants several age and mileage related checks irrespective of its MOT record. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing even where tread depth appears adequate, as ageing rubber can compromise safety. The 12 volt battery is likely due for replacement given the vehicle's age, and brake discs should be inspected for corrosion ridges or binding calipers, particularly as a small car used for short urban journeys can suffer from standing corrosion on the rear drums or discs. Coolant and brake fluid should both be considered for renewal on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage, with brake fluid especially prone to moisture absorption after several years. Finally, verify the timing belt or chain service history according to Fiat's recommended schedule, and ensure that the broken nearside outer door handle noted in 2024 advisories has been satisfactorily repaired, as it remains an advisible item that could affect usability and security.