2009 Fiat Grande Punto 1.4L Petrol · OY09 LUJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 16 July 2026, although four advisories were recorded against this test. Overall, the maintenance trend suggested by the MOT history is one of slow but progressive deterioration rather than acute failure. Across the three most recent tests, there has been a clear escalation in advisory items, moving from clean passes in 2020 and 2022 to increasingly detailed wear advisories covering suspension components, brake discs and gearbox sealing. While the vehicle has not yet failed any test, the recurring and compounding nature of the defects indicates that the car is approaching a point where multiple system renewals may be required concurrently, and a prospective buyer should anticipate upcoming maintenance expenditure. With approximately 139,698 miles recorded over a 17-year life, this Grande Punto has covered an average of around 8,218 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and class. The mileage progression recorded at MOT appears reasonably consistent without significant gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for prolonged periods. Continuous use of this nature tends to be kinder to consumables like brake discs, tyres and battery condition than low-mileage or stored examples, but the high overall odometer reading means wear-related items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, engine and gearbox internal components, and clutch or transmission hardware will have accumulated considerable fatigue. The gearbox oil leak noted in 2026 is particularly worth monitoring given the mileage, as seals in these units commonly deteriorate with age and use. The advisories recorded in recent tests warrant specific attention on any pre-purchase inspection and subsequent test drive. The front inner brake discs were noted as pitted and scored in 2026, having not been flagged previously; on test drive, listen for brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under heavier braking, and inspect the discs visually for a lipped or corroded outer edge and surface rust pitting that could reduce braking efficiency. The nearside front suspension arm pin or bush wear is an early indicator of failing front suspension bushes, which typically manifests as a clonking or knocking noise over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, vague steering, and uneven inner-edge tyre wear. The nearside rear shock absorber oil misting has been recorded across multiple consecutive tests, indicating the unit is progressively losing its damping oil and will likely require replacement; symptoms include excessive rear body bounce over bumps, reduced grip, and a looser feel during directional changes. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes have been flagged as slightly worn and should be inspected for play when the vehicle is raised, as continued wear will compromise rear wheel alignment and stability. The advisories from earlier tests also remain relevant to the overall assessment, particularly the rear coil spring corrosion noted in both 2019 and 2021, which is a known weakness in this model and should be inspected closely for any signs of cracking or fracture, as a broken coil spring can suddenly cause tyre deflation or loss of vehicle control. The exhaust corrosion and gas leak advisories from earlier years, combined with the gearbox seepage now recorded, suggest the vehicle is developing age-related fluid and gas leaks that will only worsen with time. Beyond the MOT records, a buyer should carry out practical age-related checks including inspecting tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking common on older tyres regardless of tread depth, testing the 12V battery under load as units of this age frequently fail without warning, checking for binding calipers that may have seized during periods of infrequent braking, and verifying the service history for time-based items such as coolant, brake fluid and timing belt replacement, the latter of which is critical on higher-mileage Fiat petrol engines. A thorough road test focusing on cold-start behaviour, clutch bite point, gear selection precision, and any warning lights on the instrument panel is strongly recommended before purchase.