2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · LV66 DFG

The 2016 FIAT 500 presents a mixed maintenance picture. Its most recent MOT, conducted on 10 September 2025 at 50,310 miles, passed, but only after a failure on the same day at 50,297 miles. That failure revealed a cluster of suspension and drivetrain defects that were rectified before the pass. While the car is technically roadworthy today, the pattern across the full record is one of recurring wear in the same systems, not a clean bill of health. The rear axle corrosion and front shock absorber oil misting flagged in the September 2025 test were advisory-level issues at the time, but they point to age-related deterioration that demands ongoing monitoring. The mileage profile is notably low. The car covered roughly 8,000 miles between November 2022 at 37,527 miles and November 2023 at 42,228 miles, then only a further 8,082 miles in the following 18 months to reach 50,310 miles by September 2025. That equates to approximately 5,000 miles per year over the full life, which is well below average. Low annual mileage can reduce wear on brakes and drivetrain components, but it also means the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary, which accelerates rubber perishing, corrosion, and tyre sidewall degradation. The repeated advisories on perished rear tyres, split CV boots, and deteriorated dust covers are consistent with a car that has seen intermittent use rather than regular daily driving. A buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the structural and suspension items that have recurred across multiple tests. The rear axle corrosion noted in the September 2025 test warrants a close visual check for any progression toward structural weakness, particularly around mounting points and spring seats. Both front shock absorbers were flagged for light oil misting at the most recent test, and both rear shock absorber bushes were excessively worn at the time of the earlier failure. These should be inspected for play, deterioration, and any signs of fluid loss beyond misting. The split offside front CV boot, which appeared in both the 2023 and 2025 failure records, suggests the joint may have been contaminated and re-booting alone may not address internal wear. Check for clicking under load and inspect the joint for play. Tyre condition has been a persistent theme. Rear tyre perishing appeared in 2022, 2023, and 2025, and a nail was found in the nearside front tyre at the most recent test. The TPMS warning was also illuminated across both September 2025 tests. Beyond the legal tread depth, look closely at sidewall condition and age-related cracking, especially if the tyres are original or have not been replaced recently. The exhaust minor leak at the front-to-centre pipe joint was flagged in both 2025 tests, so listen for any blowing noise under acceleration and check for soot staining at that point. Overall, the car appears to have had reactive rather than preventive maintenance. Budget for suspension bush replacement, shock absorber assessment, and thorough corrosion inspection before committing.