2009 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · OE09 VRT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a worsening trend regarding age-related mechanical wear and structural degradation. While it passed the test on 23 December 2025 at 60,699 miles, this followed a failure just two weeks prior due to multiple mechanical and electrical faults. The presence of binding brakes on both rear wheels and play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint indicates that components are now reaching the end of their functional life, requiring immediate attention to prevent further uneven wear or component failure. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. There is a significant gap between the November 2023 test at 53,116 miles and the January 2025 test at 54,966 miles, representing only 1,850 miles covered over fourteen months. This low usage frequency often correlates with periods of standing, which likely contributed to the observed corrosion on the rear beam axle and sub-frame, as well as the brake binding noted in the records. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear beam axle and sub-frame, as records from 2023 and 2025 consistently highlight advancing corrosion. The light misting oil on the nearside front shock absorber suggests a seal failure is imminent, and the inner-edge wear on both front tyres indicates an alignment issue or likely worn suspension bushes linked to the flagged ball joint. Additionally, the exhaust system should be checked for further leaks, as a major leak and flexible joint failure were documented in early January 2025.