2009 Fiat Panda 1.1L Petrol · NA59 FJJ

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile with a worsening trend of mechanical degradation visible in the most recent recorded tests. While the February 2022 test at 87,068 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a significant failure in January 2022 at 86,852 miles. That failure highlighted severe issues including a major exhaust leak, excessive emissions, and multiple structural and suspension defects. The recurring nature of these faults suggests that while the vehicle is being brought back to a legal minimum, the underlying mechanical condition is deteriorating rather than being proactively maintained. The mileage pattern indicates very low usage for a 2009 vehicle, averaging approximately 5,122 miles per year. This low annual distance is evident in the jump from 59,595 miles in October 2014 to 74,636 miles in September 2015, followed by relatively slow accumulation over the subsequent years. Such low usage often implies the vehicle spends long periods stationary, which can contribute to the specific types of degradation seen in the record, such as seized components, perished rubber bushes, and corrosion on brake lines and axles. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and suspension components. The MOT history shows a persistent pattern of corrosion, specifically affecting the rear axle and the brake hose ferrules, which was noted in both January and February 2022. All four coil springs were flagged for corrosion in early 2022, and the suspension arm bushes have been identified as worn across multiple years. These issues suggest that structural integrity and suspension mounting points may be compromised by age and moisture. Further attention is required regarding the braking system and exhaust. The record shows a history of brake efficiency failures and issues with brake pad shims, alongside significant exhaust leaks and lambda readings outside of limits in 2017 and 2022. Given the recent history of shock absorber oil misting and worn bushes, the damping system should be checked for leaks and stability. The combination of low mileage and recurring component failure indicates a vehicle that may require significant investment to ensure long-term reliability.