2018 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · N22 LAN

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 April 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is a reassuring outcome for a prospective purchaser. Looking at the broader trajectory of the MOT history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than deteriorating, although the 2025 cycle did generate both a dangerous failure and accompanying advisories that warrant closer attention. The vehicle subsequently passed its retest and then again the following year with no items noted, suggesting that the issues identified in 2025 were addressed appropriately rather than left to worsen. A clean pass following previously flagged suspension and tyre concerns is generally a positive indicator provided the remedial work can be evidenced through invoices or service records. With a recorded mileage of 72,720 miles spread over approximately eight years, this Abarth 595 has covered around 9,090 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a small performance-orientated hatchback of this age. There is no evidence in the MOT history of significant mileage gaps between tests that might indicate prolonged periods of standing, which can bring their own problems such as brake disc corrosion, fluid degradation, and dried seals. Equally, there are no sudden spikes suggesting motorway grinding or fleet-type use. The relatively even accumulation is consistent with a car used as a secondary or weekend vehicle, which is a common ownership pattern for the Abarth brand and tends to be kinder to mechanical components than a high-mileage commuter. Turning to the advisory items recorded, the 2025 test flagged both nearside and offside front Macpherson strut upper mounts as worn but not yet exceeding the movement threshold for failure. These upper strut mounts are a known wear item on vehicles of this age and mileage, and they typically degrade progressively as the bonded rubber bush hardens and begins to separate. On a test drive, a buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, driveway kerbs, or uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or shimmy through the steering wheel which can indicate excessive play in the mounting. Replacement of both sides is commonly recommended once one begins to deteriorate, and the work generally involves removing the strut assembly, so budgeting in the region of several hundred pounds including labour would be prudent. The offside rear tyre advisory for perishing in the tread is also worth investigating directly, as tyre rubber deteriorates with age irrespective of tread remaining, and perishing can develop into more serious structural separation if ignored. Beyond the recorded items, a physical inspection should account for the Abarth's specific characteristics. The 595 is a performance derivative of the standard 500 and therefore tends to experience accelerated wear to brake discs and pads, clutch components, and front suspension bushes relative to its lower-powered sibling. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping from the brakes, check for pulling to one side under braking which may indicate a binding caliper, and feel for any juddering through the steering or brake pedal that could suggest warped front discs. Inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall cracking or perishing, particularly on the rear axle where age-related deterioration can be most pronounced, and verify that all four tyres are of matching type and age where possible. Under the bonnet, check the coolant and brake fluid for their date stamps or service history entries, as both fluids degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, and inspect the 12V battery for any signs of slow cranking or corrosion around the terminals. Finally, confirm the presence of a complete service book with stamps at sensible intervals and ensure that the cam belt replacement schedule has been observed, as the 1.4-litre T-Jet engine is timing belt driven and neglect of this item can result in catastrophic engine damage.