2010 Fiat 500 1.4L Petrol · LP59 FZH

The defining mechanical story of this 2010 Fiat 500 is one of escalating corrosion and exhaust-related concerns, with each successive MOT test bringing new advisories even as the car continues to achieve pass results. The most recent test on 21 November 2025 was recorded as a pass, but it carried forward advisories for pitted front brake discs and a minor exhaust gas leak at the rear, both of which had also been flagged on the earlier test just two weeks prior. That 7 November 2025 examination actually resulted in a fail due to a Lambda sensor reading outside the specified limits following the second fast idle test, which is an emissions-related defect rather than a structural one, and when this was combined with the recurring advisories, the picture suggests a car that is slowly drifting toward needing remedial work on its exhaust system, rear suspension, and front braking components. Going back through 2024, both rear spring mountings were noted as corroded within prescribed limits, and 2023 added a slightly noisy offside rear wheel bearing, while 2022 stands out as a completely clean pass, indicating that the rate of deterioration has become more pronounced in the latter portion of the recorded history. With 33,096 miles accumulated over approximately sixteen years, this Fiat 500 has averaged only around 2,068 miles per year, which is exceptionally low and suggests either very light use or extended periods of standing. Mechanically, such low annual mileage can mean that the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain components have experienced relatively little wear, but it also raises the likelihood of age-related degradation in items that suffer from disuse, such as moisture accumulation in brake fluid, corrosion seizing on caliper slide pins, and hardening or cracking of rubber suspension bushes and engine mounts. The MOT history shows a broadly annual testing pattern with no extended gaps, which is reassuring, though the mileage progression between tests would be worth verifying against the V5 and service records to confirm that the low odometer reading is accurate and consistent rather than the result of clocking or instrument cluster replacement. Any signs of inconsistent annual mileages between tests should be questioned carefully. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas during inspection are the rear suspension and exhaust system, both of which have shown progressive advisory entries. The corroded rear Macpherson struts and spring mounting areas should be examined closely for any spread beyond the prescribed limits, paying particular attention to rust around the spring seats, strut tops, and trailing arm bushes, as corrosion in these areas can escalate quickly on a car of this age. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the rear axle. The exhaust system warrants a physical check from underneath, looking for black sooting around joints indicating gas escape, particularly at the rear box where the leak has been repeatedly noted, and the Lambda sensor fault suggests the catalyst or pre-cat oxygen sensor should be inspected for efficiency and condition, as failure here will cause an MOT emissions failure and likely trigger an engine management warning light. The braking system, despite the car passing, has now had front disc surface degradation flagged at two consecutive tests, so the discs should be measured for remaining thickness and checked for lipping, while a firm pedal application from speed should confirm there is no judder or pulling to one side. The offside rear wheel bearing, noted as slightly noisy in 2023, should be re-evaluated by jacking the wheel and rotating it by hand to detect any roughness or graunching, and a road test with windows down will help confirm whether bearing noise has worsened. Given the low recorded mileage, it is also sensible to check the operation of all brake calipers, as seized slide pins are common on lightly used vehicles, and to verify the condition of the tyres, as old rubber may have perished regardless of tread depth. Finally, confirming a full service history with evidence of regular fluid changes, particularly brake fluid and coolant, will go a long way toward reassuring a buyer that the low mileage has been accompanied by appropriate preservation rather than neglect during periods of standing.