1997 Fiat 126 0.7L Petrol · P277 CCT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass on 18 July 2025, though the maintenance trend appears reactive rather than preventative. The car failed its initial test on 9 July 2025 with a significant list of defects, including an inability to complete emissions and brake performance tests. While these were resolved within nine days to achieve a pass, the presence of frayed front seat belt webbing as a remaining advisory suggests a superficial approach to the final repairs. The recorded mileage of 80,497 miles is low for a 29 year old vehicle, averaging roughly 2,776 miles per year. The odometer remained static at 80,497 miles between the failure on 9 July 2025 and the pass on 18 July 2025. This low usage often indicates a car that has spent long periods standing, which can lead to perished rubber components, seized calipers, or fuel system degradation. A buyer must scrutinize the braking system and exhaust during a physical inspection. The 9 July 2025 failure noted that brake performance and emissions were unable to be tested, which often points to deeper mechanical issues or a lack of preparation before the test. Although the car passed shortly after, the nature of these failures suggests the vehicle may have been neglected prior to the most recent certification. Attention should also be paid to the structural integrity of the seat belt anchorages and the condition of the webbing. The tester flagged a significant reduction in the strength of the central seat belt anchorage on 9 July 2025. Given the age of the Fiat 126, a thorough check for chassis corrosion around these mounting points is essential to ensure the repairs were structural and not merely cosmetic.