2017 Fiat 500C 1.2L Petrol · LO66 BBF

The most recent DVSA MOT dated 2 March 2026 recorded a failure for a major defect – front service brakes excessively fluctuating – despite a simultaneous pass entry showing no defects. This contradictory outcome highlights a serious brake‑system concern that must be resolved before the vehicle can be considered road‑worthy. Over the preceding five years the record shows a steady accumulation of advisory items on suspension bushes, shock absorbers and front brake discs, punctuated by a failure in early 2025 for an excessively worn rear‑upper shock bush. The pattern is therefore one of gradual deterioration rather than improvement, with the latest brake failure representing a clear escalation. At nine years old the car has logged 50,864 miles, averaging roughly 5,600 miles per annum – well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles per year. Such low annual mileage often indicates periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of rubber ageing, corrosion and fluid degradation. The modest mileage does not negate wear on consumables; the recorded advisories on brake discs and shock‑absorber bushes demonstrate that even low‑use vehicles accrue component fatigue, especially where the car may have been stationary for extended intervals. Prospective buyers should give the front braking system immediate attention. The “excessively fluctuating” service brake fault can stem from uneven pad wear, warped or pitted discs, contaminated brake fluid, or a failing ABS sensor or hydraulic unit. On a test drive listen for pulsation or a spongy pedal under braking, and feel for any pull to one side. Inspect the front discs for scoring or uneven wear and consider resurfacing or replacement, together with a full brake fluid flush and a check of the master cylinder and ABS modulators. The rear‑upper shock bush on the off‑side was recorded as excessively worn in 2025; this should be replaced and all rear shock bushes inspected for play or leaking, as a worn bush will produce clunking over bumps and can affect ride comfort and tyre wear. The front suspension arm pins and bushes, noted as slightly worn in several years, should be examined for any looseness that could cause steering knock or uneven tyre wear, and replaced if any excessive movement is detected. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑usage profile, a comprehensive visual and tactile inspection is advisable. Verify that tyre sidewalls are free of cracking or dry‑rot, as rubber can deteriorate even with few miles. Check the 12 V battery for charge hold and corrosion on terminals, and confirm that the cooling system, power‑steering fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the manufacturer’s time‑based intervals. Look for any rust on the chassis, suspension mounting points and under‑tray, especially if the car has been stored outdoors. Finally, request a full service history to confirm that routine maintenance – timing belt/chain, spark plugs and emission system checks – has been performed on schedule, as this will give further confidence in the car’s long‑term reliability.