2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LM59 LML

The most recent MOT test on 6 November 2025 resulted in a pass certificate with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the cleanest outcome in the recent history of this vehicle. However, this pass must be viewed in the context of a failed test the day before on 5 November 2025, where the car failed on a major engine malfunction indicator lamp issue and an inoperative registration plate lamp. Looking further back, there was another failed attempt on 3 January 2025 with similar issues, including a failed offside headlamp on dipped beam, registration plate lamp fault, and an engine MIL malfunction, alongside an advisory for a minor rear exhaust leak. The trend suggests persistent concerns with exterior lighting and emissions-related warning lamps, both of which were rectified to achieve the subsequent passes. The recurring nature of these failures, particularly the engine MIL appearing in two separate years, warrants careful attention from any prospective buyer, as it may indicate an intermittent or borderline emissions or engine management fault that could resurface. With a recorded mileage of 67,176 miles over approximately 17 years, this Fiat 500 has covered an average of around 3,950 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and strongly suggests periods of irregular use or extended standing time. This pattern of low annual mileage is consistent with the advisory history, which repeatedly references rear exhaust corrosion beginning as early as December 2021. Low-mileage vehicles with calendar-aged components often present a different wear profile than high-mileage cars, with greater susceptibility to age-related degradation of rubber, plastic, and metal components rather than wear from mechanical use. Prospective buyers should therefore be mindful that the low recorded mileage may mask underlying deterioration caused by environmental exposure and infrequent servicing intervals. Given the recurring advisories for rear exhaust box corrosion and the 2025 advisory noting a minor exhaust gas leak, a thorough physical inspection of the entire exhaust system is essential. Check for rust perforations along the rear box, centre section, and front pipe, and listen for any ticking, hissing, or blow-type sounds from the rear of the vehicle during a cold start and under load. The intermittent engine MIL warning lamp is a serious consideration, as it may indicate an ongoing fault with the lambda sensor, catalytic converter efficiency, ignition system, or evaporative emissions system, and a diagnostic readout should be obtained before purchase to confirm whether the issue has been permanently resolved or remains stored as a pending or intermittent code. Additionally, given the headlamp and registration plate lamp failures on both 2025 attempts, all exterior bulbs, including high-level stop lamp noted as not working in January 2024, should be tested thoroughly, and wiring integrity checked for any corrosion in the bulb holders or connectors, particularly common in older vehicles exposed to moisture. Beyond the recorded MOT findings, the age and low usage profile of this Fiat 500 demands a broad inspection of components that degrade with time rather than mileage. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking due to age, even if tread appears adequate, as rubber compounds deteriorate over calendar years regardless of wear depth. Brake discs and calipers, which may have been subject to long periods of standing, should be checked for surface corrosion, binding caliper slides, and uneven pad wear, with a test drive conducted to confirm smooth braking without shudder or pulling. The 12-volt battery is likely approaching the end of its useful life and should be load tested, while all service intervals for engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should be verified through the service book, as calendar-based fluid degradation is a common oversight on low-mileage vehicles. Finally, request a clear service history, confirm the recent rectification work for the engine MIL and lighting faults was carried out by a reputable garage with documented parts replaced, and ensure the rear suspension bushes, exhaust mounting rubbers, and underbody structural components are free from significant corrosion consistent with the vehicle's age.