2014 Fiat Punto 1.4L Petrol · LR14 KKZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a PASS on 12 February 2026 at 63,411 miles, but the maintenance trend over the past two years reveals a concerning pattern of recurring and worsening issues, particularly in the braking system and exhaust. The most recent test flagged corroded rear and offside front coil springs, along with a corroded exhaust back box—issues that have been present since at least January 2025. While these are not immediate safety hazards, they indicate long-term exposure to moisture and poor underbody protection, raising concerns about structural integrity and suspension longevity. The brake system has shown persistent degradation: nearside front brake pads were below 1.5 mm in January 2026, and the same pad was reported as wearing thin in multiple prior tests, suggesting inadequate replacement intervals. Combined with repeated issues involving twisted brake hoses and a major exhaust leak in January 2026, this points to a lack of consistent mechanical attention. The recorded mileage of 63,411 miles at age 12 years equates to an average of just over 5,284 miles per year, which is low for its age and suggests either infrequent use or extended periods of inactivity. However, the data shows significant gaps between MOTs—most notably from January 2024 to January 2025 (12 months), then again from January 2025 to February 2026 (13 months)—with no interim checks. This irregular testing schedule raises red flags, especially given the progression of faults. The fact that the vehicle failed twice within a single month in January 2024, then passed only after repairs, indicates potential neglect in addressing known issues before renewal. The absence of any MOT records between 2023 and early 2024 further suggests possible non-compliance or unreported usage, undermining confidence in the maintenance history. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the suspension components, particularly the front and rear coil springs, which have been repeatedly flagged for corrosion. The presence of rust on both front springs and the rear spring implies compromised load-bearing capability and potential failure under stress. The brake system demands urgent scrutiny: the nearside front caliper and hose show signs of binding and twisting, while the pad thickness remains critically low despite multiple warnings. The exhaust system exhibits extensive corrosion, including a major leak and defective mounting, which could lead to dangerous fumes entering the cabin or engine misfires. Additionally, the windscreen wiper failure noted in January 2024, though resolved, underscores the need to verify the condition of the entire windscreen cleaning system. Given the history, it is essential to confirm whether all repairs were completed to a standard that meets DVSA requirements and to assess the overall condition of the chassis and underbody for hidden rust damage.