2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LP65 NLY

The most recent MOT history for this 2015 Fiat 500 reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures just before passing, with the final test on 2025-12-09 marking a clean pass at 69,755 miles—though the prior day’s identical mileage failure suggests a last-minute correction rather than genuine reliability. No defects were ever recorded in the four tests spanning 2023 to 2025, which implies either meticulous pre-test servicing or a vehicle that narrowly avoids critical failures. The lack of advisories or recurring issues in the official record does not preclude underlying wear, particularly in high-stress components like suspension bushes or brake calipers, which often fail intermittently without leaving permanent MOT defects. The mileage progression of roughly 6,300 miles annually aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the abrupt jump from 54,638 miles in December 2023 to 61,054 miles by December 2024—an increase of 6,416 miles in under a year—may indicate a period of heavier use. The consistency in test dates (all within a week of the annual MOT deadline) suggests the vehicle was likely kept in service until the last possible moment, which could mask deeper issues. There are no gaps longer than a year between tests, ruling out extended neglect, but the repeated failures at identical mileages warrant scrutiny of whether the vehicle was deliberately prepped for inspection or if critical components were on the verge of failure. Given the absence of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, which are prone to gradual degradation in this model. The repeated failures at the same mileage could hint at binding rear brakes or worn brake discs, so caliper freeplay and disc thickness should be verified. Corrosion in wheel arches or subframe areas—common in urban Fiat 500s—should also be checked, as should the exhaust system for leaks or rust-through, especially around the catalytic converter. The engine bay should be examined for oil leaks or worn drive belts, as these often go unnoticed until they cause failures. While the MOT record suggests no major structural issues, the pattern of near-failures demands thoroughness in assessing components that typically fail without leaving permanent evidence.