2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LT59 SXZ

The most recent MOT, conducted on 2025-05-01 at 92,674 miles, passed, but the record immediately preceding it on 2025-04-24 at the identical mileage reveals a significant cluster of failures that were evidently rectified within one week. The maintenance trend is therefore sharply improving from a poor baseline. The April 2025 failure flagged serious structural and braking concerns, including an offside rear sub-frame corroded to the point of significantly reduced rigidity, an offside rear hydraulic brake cylinder leaking fluid, a fractured parking brake cable mounting, parking brake efficiency below requirements, and an offside front Macpherson strut mounting corroded and seriously weakened. Passing just seven days later implies these items were repaired or replaced rather than merely cosmetically treated, which is a positive sign, but the underlying pattern of corrosion and component degradation warrants close scrutiny. The mileage pattern is unusual. Between 2023-04-29 at 87,764 miles and 2024-04-22 at 90,071 miles, the car covered approximately 2,307 miles in nearly twelve months. From 2024-04-23 to 2025-04-24, the recorded mileage remained frozen at 90,071 miles for a full year before jumping to 92,674 miles by 2025-05-01, a gain of 2,603 miles in one week. This suggests either a data recording anomaly, a replacement unit or speedometer discrepancy, or a period of prolonged inactivity followed by sudden use. The overall annualised figure of roughly 5,451 miles is low for a 2009 vehicle, which typically implies light urban use, and such driving patterns can accelerate exhaust corrosion and brake seizure from underuse rather than high-mileage wear. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the offside rear sub-frame and surrounding underseal for fresh welding or coating that may conceal ongoing corrosion. The offside front Macpherson strut top mount area must be examined for rust jacking or cracking, as this directly affects steering geometry and structural integrity. The rear braking system, particularly the offside hydraulic cylinder and parking brake cable routing, should be tested for leaks, uneven operation, and cable chafing. The front exhaust flexi joint, flagged as deteriorated in both 2024 tests, remains a likely weak point that can cause exhaust gas leaks and emissions failure if not recently replaced. Tyre condition has been a recurring advisory theme across multiple tests, with perishing, cracking, and edge wear appearing repeatedly on both axles. This suggests the vehicle may have been standing for extended periods or driven on underinflated tyres. A thorough inspection of all four tyres, including sidewalls and date codes, is advisable. The door catch fault flagged in April 2025 should also be physically tested for secure latching and smooth operation. Overall, the record indicates a car that has suffered from neglect-related corrosion and mechanical deterioration but has recently undergone targeted repairs. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on structural rust, brake function, and suspension mounting points is strongly recommended before committing.