2021 Abarth 695 Anniversario 1.4L Petrol · LL71 WYR

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 April 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this is supported by an equally clean pass at the previous test on 14 July 2025. Across the three recorded MOT events, the only advisory of any kind is a note from November 2024 regarding an undertray restricting full visual inspection, which is a procedural observation rather than an indication of any underlying mechanical concern. The maintenance trend therefore appears stable and reassuringly consistent, with no recurring component failures, no advisory items linked to wear items such as braking systems, suspension components, tyres, or exhaust emissions, and no advisory deterioration appearing between tests. For a performance-oriented Abarth of this vintage, the absence of any flagged advisories relating to coil springs, dampers, bushes, brake discs, or corrosion is a positive indicator that the car has not yet developed the typical wear patterns that tend to surface on hot hatchbacks of similar age and use. With a recorded mileage of 28,427 miles over approximately five years, the vehicle is covering around 5,685 miles annually, which is below the national average and suggests either limited regular use, a predominantly second-car status, or extended periods of standing between journeys. From a mechanical perspective, this relatively low annual mileage is broadly favourable for the engine and major drivetrain components, as it implies reduced thermal cycling stress on internal components and lower overall wear on the clutch, gearbox, and turbocharger. However, the downside of low mileage combined with a performance car specification is that prolonged standing can accelerate calendar-based degradation in areas such as brake discs corroding and seizing in the calipers, underbody corrosion, rubber component perishing, and 12V battery depletion. Given the recent MOT pass with no advisories, the braking system and underbody appear to remain serviceable, but a prospective buyer should remain mindful of the standing-related risks inherent to low-use performance vehicles. Although the MOT history is commendably clean, the buyer should carry out a series of physical checks that the standard test cannot fully address. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking or perishing caused by age rather than wear, as even a tyre with ample tread depth can be unsafe if the rubber has hardened through time; the date code on the sidewall will confirm manufacture age. Brake discs should be inspected for any lip of corrosion or visible pitting, and the car should be test-driven from cold to listen for any scraping, binding, or juddering that might indicate a seized caliper piston or a warped disc. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as low-mileage cars frequently suffer from premature battery failure due to insufficient charging cycles, and any warning lights on the dashboard following a cold start should be noted. Fluid condition is also time-sensitive rather than mileage-sensitive, so the brake fluid should be checked for moisture content and the coolant and engine oil for general condition, even if service records appear satisfactory on paper. Finally, given the undertray advisory from late 2024, it would be prudent to arrange for the vehicle to be raised on a ramp for a more thorough underside inspection, paying particular attention to the exhaust system, suspension arms, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes, which can deteriorate from road salt exposure and standing-related moisture retention. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly at the rear, as Abarth 695 models can be prone to worn rear bushes. The distinctive Abarth exhaust note should be consistent without any rattling or blowing sounds that might suggest a failing joint or heat shield. Confirm that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals and that the cambelt or auxiliary drive belt replacement schedule, if applicable to this variant, has been observed, as these are time-based rather than mileage-based service items. Overall, the DVSA record is encouraging and supports a stable maintenance history, but a targeted physical inspection remains essential to satisfy the mechanical expectations appropriate to a low-mileage, five-year-old performance vehicle.