2015 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · LL65 AAX

The most recent MOT inspection on 1 June 2026 resulted in a pass, following a failure earlier that same month. The vehicle's maintenance trend shows signs of progressive degradation in several key areas, specifically regarding the braking system and the exhaust assembly. While the vehicle is currently compliant, the recurring nature of the advisories suggests that several components are reaching the end of their serviceable life. The transition from a failure due to a worn shock absorber bush to a pass indicates that some remedial work has been undertaken, but the persistent issues with the rear braking surfaces and exhaust leaks suggest a pattern of deferred maintenance or age-related wear that is beginning to accelerate. With a recorded mileage of 45,038 over approximately eleven years, this Abarth 595 has averaged roughly 4,094 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, which typically indicates light usage or extended periods of being stationary. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can present specific risks for a performance-oriented vehicle. Long periods of standing can lead to uneven tyre degradation, moisture accumulation in the exhaust system, and the development of surface corrosion on brake discs and calipers. The MOT history confirms this suspicion, as evidenced by the repeated advisories regarding pitted and scored brake discs and exhaust corrosion. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the rear braking system during a test drive. The repeated advisories for pitted and scored inner brake discs on both the nearside and offside rear suggest that the discs are heavily corroded, likely due to the vehicle being driven infrequently. You should listen for any grinding noises when applying the brakes and feel for any pulsations or shuddering through the brake pedal, which would indicate uneven disc thickness or warping. Furthermore, the recorded exhaust leak at the union between the silencer and intermediate pipe, combined with the advisory regarding a corroded outer shell, indicates that the exhaust system is failing. On your test drive, listen for any increased engine note, raspiness, or loud droning from the rear, as the exhaust will likely require a full replacement in the near future to prevent further gas leaks or structural failure. Given the low annual mileage, you should also conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rubber components and fluids. Check the sidewalls of all tyres for signs of perishing, cracking, or dry rot, which can occur even if the tread depth remains legally sufficient. The advisory from 2025 regarding a perishing nearside rear tyre reinforces the need for this check. Additionally, inspect the suspension for any signs of leaking shock absorbers or perished bushes, particularly following the recent failure regarding the offside rear upper shock absorber bush. Because the vehicle has likely spent significant time stationary, verify that the service history includes regular oil and fluid changes based on time intervals rather than just mileage, as moisture contamination in the engine oil and brake fluid is a common issue with low-use vehicles.