2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LS09 RBS

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-10-16 confirms it passed without defects at 75,535 miles, though it failed the preceding test just ten days earlier at 75,491 miles—a pattern that repeats from the previous year, where it also passed in October 2024 but failed the day before. This suggests the vehicle narrowly meets MOT standards at the test date but may have marginal compliance issues in areas not fully captured by the tester. The lack of recorded defects does not imply hidden problems, but the repeated near-failures warrant scrutiny of components that often trigger MOT failures, such as brake efficiency, tyre condition, or minor structural corrosion. The test intervals are standard, with no evidence of extended periods without inspection, though the abrupt pass-to-fail swings in October 2024 and 2025 indicate a need for closer examination of wear items. The recorded mileage of 75,535 miles over 17 years equates to an average of approximately 4,443 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either very light usage or prolonged periods of non-operation, both of which can accelerate specific forms of degradation. Notably, there is a 14-day gap between the 2024 February and October tests, with minimal mileage accumulation (1,286 miles), followed by a sharp increase to 4,017 miles between February 2024 and October 2024. While this pattern does not necessarily indicate neglect, it does imply inconsistent driving habits that could affect fluid levels, suspension lubrication, or battery health. The absence of advisories or partial failures in earlier tests suggests no major deferred maintenance, but the low mileage also means some components may have been underused, potentially leading to stiffness or dryness in joints or seals. Given the repeated near-failures and the vehicle’s age, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of the brake system, particularly the rear calipers and discs, as binding brakes are a common cause of MOT failures in this model. The suspension should be checked for worn or dried suspension bushes and coil springs, as these are prone to gradual degradation even with low mileage. Tyre condition remains critical—failing twice on tread depth in prior tests (if implied by the pattern) suggests previous owners may have deferred replacements, so verify current tread depth and uniformity. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be examined for corrosion, as this model is susceptible to rust-related failures over time. Fluid levels—brake, power steering, and coolant—should also be confirmed, as prolonged inactivity can lead to contamination or degradation.