2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LN55 HEN

The vehicle shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend, characterized by increasingly complex mechanical failures during recent inspections. While the October 2025 test at 68,814 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle required significant remedial work to clear the previous failure on the same day. The tester identified a fractured offside front coil spring and excessively worn bushes on the offside rear upper shock absorber, alongside steering rack issues and multiple tyres worn to the legal limit. These recurring faults suggest that while basic repairs are being addressed to secure an MOT, the underlying suspension and steering components are entering a period of accelerated deterioration. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 6,256 miles per year. The record shows steady progression from 61,120 miles in October 2023 to 68,814 miles in October 2025. This relatively low annual mileage suggests the car has not been subjected to heavy long-distance motorway use, yet the frequency of suspension and braking defects indicates that the vehicle may be used for shorter, urban trips which often place higher stress on components like bushes, springs, and braking systems. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and steering systems. The history reveals a pattern of failure in coil springs, shock absorber bushes, and suspension arm bushes, specifically noted in the October 2024 and October 2025 tests. The steering rack inner joint play flagged in the most recent test is a significant mechanical concern that requires verification. Furthermore, the October 2024 failure highlighted an excessive oil leak from the engine sump and issues with parking brake efficiency. Although the parking brake was passed in 2025, the previous failure of both rear brakes suggests the mechanism may still be prone to sticking or uneven operation. The recurring issues with tyre wear and the frequency of suspension component failures indicate a potential lack of proactive preventative maintenance. The tester repeatedly flagged tyres worn close to the legal limit in 2024 and 2025, which often points to a reactive approach to vehicle upkeep. Before purchase, a specialist should verify that the engine sump leak has been fully rectified and check the integrity of all suspension bushes and steering linkages to ensure no further degradation is present.