2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · PJ59 GXY

Recurring issues with tyre degradation, suspension component wear, and exhaust emissions define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, which most recently passed its MOT on 13 May 2026. While the vehicle has maintained a passing status since 2020, the recent history shows a trend of increasing advisories related to the chassis and running gear. Specifically, the latest inspection flagged multiple concerns including perishing tyres, a worn nearside front tyre nearing the legal limit, a worn bush on the nearside rear shock absorber, and oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber. This follows a 2025 failure regarding excessive hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, indicating that while the vehicle is currently roadworthy, there is a persistent pattern of wear in the suspension and tyre subsystems. The recorded mileage of 93,271 miles over approximately 17 years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 5,487 miles. This represents a low-mileage usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, such low annual accumulation can often lead to the specific types of defects seen in the MOT history, such as the cracking and perishing of tyre sidewalls and rubber components like suspension bushes, which can occur due to age and environmental exposure rather than physical tread wear. The lack of significant mileage increases between tests suggests the vehicle is used sparingly, which may contribute to the observed degradation of rubber-based components and the corrosion noted on the rear coil springs. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and steering assembly during a test drive. The history of advisories regarding anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play and worn shock absorber bushes suggests the potential for knocking or clunking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. The reported oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber should be monitored for more significant leaks, which would manifest as wetness on the shock body and could lead to a loss of damping control. Furthermore, the repeated advisories for cracking and perishing tyres indicate that the rubber is aging; during a test drive, listen for irregular road noise or vibrations that might suggest uneven wear or structural degradation of the tyre sidewalls. Brake and exhaust system integrity should also be verified. The 2023 advisory regarding worn front brake discs and the 2025 failure for high exhaust emissions suggest that the vehicle's combustion efficiency and braking surfaces require monitoring. On the road, check for any pedal judder or pulsation when applying the brakes, which could indicate disc thickness issues or warping. Given the previous failure for high hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels, the engine's idling stability and exhaust note should be closely observed to ensure the emissions issues recorded in 2025 remain resolved. Finally, the recurring mention of corrosion on the rear coil springs warrants a visual inspection of the rear suspension mounting points for any signs of significant structural rust.