2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · ML14 MAC

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 28 August 2025, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning. While the car maintained a clean record between 2020 and 2021, there has been a steady increase in recorded advisories from 2022 onwards. The transition from no defects to recurring issues involving the exhaust system, oil leaks, and suspension components suggests a decline in preventative maintenance and a shift toward reactive repairs. With a recorded mileage of 47,648 miles over eleven years, the vehicle has been used significantly less than the national average, averaging approximately 4,332 miles per year. While this low mileage reduces the mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox, it introduces specific risks associated with under-use. Low-mileage vehicles are often prone to the degradation of rubber components, fluid contamination due to infrequent changes, and potential brake caliper binding or disc corrosion from prolonged periods of standing. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the recurring exhaust leak and the 2024 advisory regarding a leaking engine sump. During a test drive, listen for an abnormal rasping sound or a louder than usual idle, which would indicate the exhaust leak persists. A physical inspection of the engine bay and underbody is essential to verify if the sump has been replaced or if oil is still weeping, as this can contaminate other components. Furthermore, the mention of a rear suspension spring mounting repair covered in underseal is a critical point; underseal is often used to mask previous corrosion or poor quality welding, so a thorough inspection of the rear chassis structural integrity is strongly advised. The history of inner edge tyre wear and worn front lower suspension arm bushes suggests a potential issue with wheel alignment or deteriorating suspension geometry. Check the current tyres for uneven wear patterns and listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven road surfaces. Given the vehicle age and low usage, you must also inspect the tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, regardless of the remaining tread depth. Finally, verify the service history to ensure oil and coolant changes have been performed based on calendar intervals rather than mileage, and check the 12V battery health to ensure it has not been depleted by long periods of inactivity.