2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · OY65 ARU

The 2015 FIAT 500 presents a largely stable roadworthiness record punctuated by two distinct events that merit close examination by a prospective buyer. The most recent MOT on 2025-09-30 showed full compliance with no defects, and the intervening tests from 2024 through 2021 were all clean, suggesting the vehicle has held up reasonably well under normal use conditions. However, the 2023-09-06 test result was a major failure due to a nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover that no longer prevented dirt ingress, and earlier in 2022 both the nearside rear and offside rear coil springs were reported as corroded. While the current test passes, the presence of these prior failures indicates that certain structural elements have required intervention, and their recurrence or persistence warrants scrutiny regardless of the most recent passing result. The recorded mileage of 20,946 miles across approximately eleven years equates to roughly 1,904 miles per annum, which is considerably below typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age and body style. Such a low annual accumulation rate often signals extended periods of storage or infrequent operation, yet it also implies that high-wear components such as suspension bushings, brake pads, and clutch assemblies may have experienced less cumulative stress than would be expected from regular daily driving. The modest pace of mileage does not automatically guarantee superior engine health, but it does shift the mechanical expectation toward potential issues related to prolonged sitting rather than heavy abuse. When combined with the documented past failures, this usage profile suggests that any concerns regarding the integrity of suspension linkages, braking systems, or other load-bearing components should be verified independently of the current clean MOT outcome. The anti-roll bar failure identified in September 2023 specifically points to the nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, which when compromised allows debris to infiltrate the bearing housing and potentially cause accelerated wear or sudden loss of lateral stability control. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for a metallic knocking or rattling noise when navigating uneven surfaces, particularly around corners or when hitting potholes, as this can indicate movement within the failing linkage. Additionally, the anti-roll bar assembly itself may exhibit subtle play or looseness when manually inspected at the base of the bar, especially if the dust cover has already deteriorated further since the original failure. Given the proximity of the failure to the most recent MOT, it is prudent to request a visual inspection of the entire anti-roll bar system, including the ball joint, bushings, and mounting hardware for any signs of corrosion, looseness, or missing retaining components. The coil spring advisories from late 2022, affecting both the nearside rear and offside rear coils, represent another critical area requiring attention despite the absence of a repeat failure in subsequent tests. These corroded springs typically manifest as increased ride height instability, harsher suspension travel, and occasionally audible creaking or popping sounds when the vehicle is loaded or subjected to bumps. On a test drive, the buyer should monitor the vehicle's handling characteristics—particularly noticeable sag or bounce in the rear end—and pay particular attention to the rear axle for any vibrations or pulsations that could suggest internal coil fatigue. If the coil springs were previously corroded and now appear undamaged in the current MOT report, this does not guarantee they will remain so indefinitely; continued exposure to road salt, moisture, and temperature cycling can re-initiate corrosion, especially in older vehicles. A thorough physical inspection of the coil spring mounts, crossmembers, and the surrounding subframe region should be conducted to ensure there is no hidden degradation that could compromise ride quality or safety later in the ownership period.