2011 Abarth 500 1.4L Petrol · MV60 RGO

The most recent MOT, conducted on 1 September 2025 at 93,898 miles, shows a clear shift in the vehicle's condition. After three consecutive clean passes from 2021 through 2023, the latest test recorded three separate corrosion-related advisories. The tester flagged the offside front suspension arm, the rear anti-roll bar, and the rear subframe mounting prescribed area, all described as corroded but not seriously weakened at the time of inspection. While the car remains roadworthy today, this is a worsening trend. The advisories are structural in nature rather than simple consumable wear, and they warrant close monitoring. The mileage pattern tells a story of changing use. Between May 2021 and May 2022, the car covered 12,855 miles. The following year, from May 2022 to May 2023, it added only 423 miles before jumping to 89,461 miles by September 2024, a span of roughly 16 months. That suggests a period of very light use or standing, followed by a return to regular driving. The current reading of 93,898 miles sits just 4,437 miles above the September 2024 figure, indicating modest use in the past nine months. Overall, the annual average of around 6,260 miles is typical for a 15-year-old Abarth 500, but the uneven spread means components may have suffered from prolonged standing as much as from active wear. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the areas already flagged. The rear subframe mounting corrosion is the most structurally significant advisory. Probe the subframe mounts and surrounding chassis rails for scaling or pitting, particularly if the car has been parked on damp ground. The offside front suspension arm corrosion could point to a broader issue with water ingress or failed protective coatings on the front subframe. Check the rear anti-roll bar links and D-bushes for play, as corrosion here often accelerates bushing deterioration. Inspect the underside for exhaust system corrosion and any fluid leaks from the steering rack or brake lines, which commonly accompany age-related rust on this platform. Beyond the flagged items, examine the tyres carefully. The nearside rear tyre advisory in September 2024 at 89,461 miles suggests uneven wear, possibly from worn rear suspension bushes or misalignment. Look for inner edge wear on all four tyres and check the brake discs for lipping and uneven pad wear, which can indicate binding calipers. Given the car's age and the recent structural advisories, a thorough underbody inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly recommended before purchase.