2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · OY09 XMK

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift towards deteriorating suspension and steering component health. While it passed its most recent test in April 2026 at 103,754 miles, the tester identified a significant number of advisories that were not present in previous years. This transition from a clean record to multiple mechanical warnings indicates that the vehicle is reaching the end of the service life for several key components, requiring proactive attention to prevent future MOT failures. At 103,754 miles over 17 years, the car averages approximately 6,100 miles per annum, which is consistent with low-intensity urban usage. The data shows a period of relative inactivity between February 2024 and April 2025, where only five miles were recorded in over a year. However, the 2,943 miles covered between April 2025 and April 2026 suggest a recent increase in usage which has likely accelerated the wear of rubber and metal components despite the low overall mileage. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the entire suspension assembly and steering geometry. The April 2026 test flagged all four coil springs as corroded and identified play in both front drag link ball joints. Given that coil spring corrosion was already noted in 2023, the degradation is progressing and the risk of a spring snap is high. The recurring oil leak noted in 2023 and 2026 should also be monitored for volume increases to ensure it does not evolve into a significant failure that affects other engine components. The front tyres also require immediate replacement due to cracking and perishing, alongside a physical nail in the nearside tyre. These are standard consumable issues, but when combined with the multiple suspension advisories, they suggest the previous owner has deferred preventative maintenance. A budget should be allocated for a front suspension overhaul and new tyres immediately following purchase.