2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · NG15 OLN

The 2015 FIAT 500 presents a mixed maintenance picture that has recently stabilised. The most recent MOT on 10 November 2025 at 86,407 miles was a clean pass, but this followed a failure just three days earlier on 7 November 2025 at 86,402 miles. That failure was concerning: the tester flagged a seriously weakened front brake disc, an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, and excessive play in the nearside front track rod end, alongside a headlamp fault. The fact that all of these were rectified within three days suggests the previous owner addressed them promptly, yet the severity of the defects indicates a period of neglect immediately prior to the November 2025 test. The trend is therefore improving from a low point, but the underlying pattern shows deferred maintenance rather than consistent care. The vehicle has covered 86,407 miles over roughly eleven years, averaging approximately 7,855 miles per year, which is typical for a city car of this type. The mileage progression is broadly steady, rising from 70,929 miles in April 2024 to 81,353 miles in May 2025, then to 86,407 miles by November 2025, suggesting regular short-trip urban use. There are no dramatic gaps or sudden accumulation spikes that would indicate long periods of disuse or clocking concerns. The record is reasonably complete with no missing annual tests, giving a reliable service history trail. Buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering components. The nearside front suspension arm ball joint was flagged with slight play in May 2025 and then excessive wear by November 2025, while the nearside front track rod end also deteriorated from advisory-level play to a failure in the same period. This progression suggests the front end has been taking a pounding, likely from urban driving over kerbs and potholes. A physical inspection of both front suspension bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends is essential, along with a check for uneven tyre wear that would confirm alignment issues stemming from the worn steering components. The braking system also warrants close scrutiny. A seriously weakened front brake disc failed the November 2025 test, and while it was replaced for the retest, the underlying cause of premature wear or scoring should be investigated. Check the condition of the remaining brake discs and pads, and test for binding calipers that could cause uneven or accelerated wear. The car has been undersealed, which is a positive sign for corrosion protection, but a physical underbody inspection is still advisable to verify the structural integrity of the subframes, sills, and floor pan, particularly around suspension mounting points where corrosion can compromise strength on older city cars.