2009 Fiat Panda 1.1L Petrol · LP09 FKO

The most recent DVSA examination on 30 September 2025 resulted in a Pass, although it is worth noting that the vehicle failed on identical safety grounds only the day before due to a serious nearside front shock absorber fluid leak. This same test also carried advisories for thinning front brake pads and rear coil spring corrosion on both sides. Looking back over the available MOT history, the overall trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, but there is a clear and recurring pattern of chassis and suspension related advisories appearing year after year, alongside one major tyre failure in 2024. The fact that the shock absorber failure was rectified sufficiently to pass the test the following day is a positive sign, but a buyer should be aware that the vehicle is now developing multiple age related advisories in close succession, which warrants careful physical inspection. With a recorded mileage of 18,975 miles across approximately seventeen years, this Fiat Panda has covered an average of around 1,116 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. Such limited usage typically reflects either a second car, short journeys only, or extended periods of standing. While low mileage preserves the engine internals from wear, it does lead to accelerated degradation of rubber and protective coatings, particularly on exterior and underbody components, and increases the likelihood of seized or binding brake calipers and corroded brake discs. There are no obvious large gaps in annual MOT tests, which suggests the vehicle has been used fairly consistently but never particularly hard, and the mechanical implications lean more towards time related degradation than distance related wear. Given the recurring rear coil spring corrosion advisories noted at every MOT since 2021, a prospective buyer should closely examine the rear springs for advanced surface rust, flaking, and any loss of coil height or ride quality. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over bumps, particularly at low speed, and observe whether the vehicle sits level at the rear or shows signs of sagging. The front shock absorber fluid leak recorded in 2025 is a serious concern, as failed dampers compromise braking stability, tyre contact patch consistency, and handling; ensure the repair has been carried out with a quality replacement unit and check for any residual oil staining or weeping around the nearside front strut body. The front brake pads were reported as thinning at the latest test, so inspect pad material thickness directly through the wheel and budget for replacement imminently if not already addressed. Beyond the documented defects, the age and low mileage profile of this Panda mean several time based checks are essential before purchase. Tyres on a vehicle of this vintage and mileage are particularly prone to sidewall perishing and cracking even if the tread depth remains adequate, so inspect all four sidewalls carefully for hairline fractures or dry rot, paying attention to the fronts given the 2024 damage advisory and the 2022 inner wall wear advisory. With prolonged standing, the 12V battery is likely to have degraded and should be load tested, while brake discs may exhibit significant surface corrosion that can usually be cleaned off but may also indicate seized caliper slider mechanisms, which would manifest as pulling to one side or uneven pad wear. Finally, verify the timing belt replacement interval as the 1.2 litre Fire engine requires belt changes at fixed age or mileage thresholds regardless of use, and check that brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil have been refreshed in line with calendar based servicing rather than purely distance based schedules.