2009 Fiat Grand Punto 1.4L Petrol · OE09 VRJ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding engine sealing and exhaust integrity. While it passed its most recent test in December 2025 at 55,948 miles, the failure immediately preceding that pass revealed significant issues. The tester flagged an exhaust gas leak, an air leak in the engine bay, and an inability to complete emissions testing. These faults, combined with a persistent oil leak noted in every annual test since 2022, suggest ongoing engine-related degradation. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a seventeen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,300 miles per year. Between December 2022 at 49,561 miles and December 2025 at 55,948 miles, the car covered only 6,387 miles. While low mileage typically reduces mechanical wear on the drivetrain and suspension components, it often leads to the degradation of rubber materials. This is evidenced by the December 2024 advisory noting both front tyres were perishing or cracking, which occurs due to age rather than use. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the engine bay to identify the source of the recurring oil leaks and the air leak flagged in the late 2025 test. The exhaust silencer box was noted as badly corroded in both 2022 and 2023, requiring verification to ensure a replacement was actually performed to prevent structural failure. Additionally, the front brake discs were noted as worn in 2024 and should be checked for thickness and pitting. The recurring mention of dull headlamp lenses across multiple years indicates the plastic requires polishing or replacement to ensure adequate light output.