2010 Fiat 500 1.2L Diesel · P19 JBH

The most recent MOT test on 2025-11-24 confirms this 2010 Fiat 500 remains roadworthy, though with persistent and unresolved mechanical concerns. The trend over the past three tests is one of worsening structural integrity and suspension degradation, compounded by chronic undersealing that obscures critical components. The November 2025 pass was secured despite a rear tyre in advanced perishing, an ongoing oil leak, and insufficient undersealing to verify hidden corrosion or wear. The December 2023 failure—just 12 days prior—revealed front suspension bushes beyond tolerance, corroded rear suspension arms, and worn shock absorber bushes, issues that have not been fully addressed in subsequent tests. The vehicle’s condition suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance, with recurring advisories on suspension and underbody corrosion despite passing MOTs. The mileage progression of 3,499 miles annually is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the 2022-2023 gap where only 8,348 miles were accumulated over 17 months. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which exacerbates corrosion risks and accelerates degradation of undersealed components. The December 2023 failure at 37,012 miles followed by a near-immediate retest at 37,012 miles (2023-12-05) implies the owner may have made minimal repairs before the next MOT cycle, rather than addressing underlying issues. The lack of significant mileage between tests—ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 miles annually—further indicates the vehicle has not been driven enough to wear out components naturally, instead relying on periodic MOT passes despite evident wear. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, particularly the front and rear suspension arms, which have repeatedly failed or been flagged for excessive wear or corrosion. The rear shock absorbers show signs of oil leakage and bush wear, while the undersealed suspension components risk further degradation if not replaced. Corrosion on the rear axle and underbody, combined with the persistent oil leak, suggests the engine bay and subframe may require inspection for rust penetration. Tyres should be checked for uneven wear patterns, as the front tyres in 2023 were worn to the legal limit and on the inner edge, indicating potential alignment or suspension issues. The undersealing deficiencies mean rust could have developed in hidden areas, so a detailed visual and functional assessment of the chassis and subframe is essential.