2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · PL17 KLU

The most recent DVSA examination on 19 August 2026 recorded a Pass, with three advisory items carried over from the earlier test in the same month. These were worn, pitted and scored front brake discs on both sides and an oil leak from the sump area where corrosion was observed. While the vehicle passed, the advisories indicate that the front brake discs are progressively deteriorating and the sump is weeping oil, both of which should be addressed before they escalate into failures. Looking at the broader pattern, the maintenance trend is best described as borderline; the 2025 test produced five Major defects including a non-functional headlamp, a split CV boot, a major exhaust leak, a faulty washer system, and a parking brake that fell below minimum efficiency requirements, while the 2026 test produced a Major failure for an inoperable driver's door and an excessively worn suspension arm ball joint. The recurrence of front brake disc wear advisories across four consecutive tests (2022 through 2026) and the appearance of suspension component wear in both 2022 and 2026 suggests a vehicle with ongoing wear items that have not been fully rectified. With a recorded mileage of 96,340 miles over nine years, this Fiat 500 is accumulating approximately 10,700 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small city car of its age. There are no significant gaps in the mileage progression, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing. This regular usage is mechanically beneficial as it reduces the likelihood of standing-related issues such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, perished fuel lines, and 12V battery degradation. However, the high cumulative mileage does mean that major mechanical items such as the timing chain, clutch, exhaust system, suspension bushes, and engine mounts are likely approaching or past their expected service life, and should be inspected with this in mind. The recurring advisories on the front brake discs warrant careful attention on a test drive. Listen and feel for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would suggest the disc surfaces have become unevenly worn or warped. Inspect the discs visually for a pronounced lip at the outer edge and check the pad material thickness through the caliper window, as pads working against pitted surfaces tend to wear unevenly and accelerate disc degradation. The sump oil leak should be monitored by checking for fresh drips on the ground beneath the engine after standing overnight, and by inspecting the oil level on the dipstick before any test drive; given that the sump itself is showing corrosion, it would be prudent to have the unit assessed for structural integrity and to establish whether the sealing surface remains true. The 2026 Major failure for an excessively worn suspension arm ball joint indicates that suspension renewal has likely just been carried out on the nearside, so confirm the work was completed with supporting documentation and inspect the offside for any clonking or knocking over uneven road surfaces, as the same component on the opposite side often follows shortly after. Additional buyer inspection points should focus on the items flagged in 2025, which suggest possible deferred maintenance. The split CV boot failure means the offside front drive shaft joint may have been exposed to contamination; inspect the rubber boot for any fresh splits or grease loss, and listen for a clicking or knocking from the front when turning at low speed, which would indicate accelerated wear of the joint internals. The major exhaust leak should be confirmed as repaired and the system checked for any ticking noises on cold start or any smell of exhaust fumes within the cabin. The parking brake mechanism, which previously fell below the 18 percent efficiency threshold on the nearside, should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds the vehicle firmly without excessive travel. Finally, given the vehicle's age, verify the date codes on the tyres to ensure they are not perished from age regardless of tread depth, check the 12V battery for signs of weakness or low electrolyte, and confirm that the brake fluid, coolant and engine oil have all been changed within their recommended calendar intervals, as nine-year-old fluids degrade in condition even at modest annual mileages.