2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · PL66 TLK

The most recent DVSA examination on this 2016 Fiat 500 was conducted on 2 December 2025 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that on the day of testing the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements across the categories inspected, which include lighting, braking, suspension, steering, tyres, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity. Looking at the recent MOT history more broadly, the trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, although it is worth noting that there are two failed tests on record, both in mid-December of their respective years, with a pass recorded either on the same day or shortly afterwards. The absence of recorded defect notes on these failures is slightly unusual but suggests the issues were likely administrative in nature, related to items such as tyre condition, lamp operation, or dashboard warning lights such as the airbag system, rather than fundamental structural or mechanical failure. A clean pass followed by another clean pass the following year, with no advisories carried forward, is a positive indicator that any previously flagged concerns have been resolved and that the vehicle has not developed progressive or recurring mechanical issues in the short term. With a recorded mileage of 65,301 miles over an approximate ten-year span, this Fiat 500 averages around 6,530 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical usage range for a small city car of this age. There is no evidence in the records provided of any significant mileage gap or sudden spike in annual accumulation that would suggest prolonged standing followed by heavy use, nor does the pattern indicate high-mileage continuous running that might accelerate wear on major drivetrain components. This average annual figure is consistent with predominantly urban or short-journey use, which in itself has mechanical implications: short trips tend to be harder on components such as the 12-volt battery, exhaust system, and engine oil because the unit rarely reaches full operating temperature, allowing moisture and fuel to accumulate. A buyer should therefore consider whether the vehicle has been used regularly or whether periods of standing may have contributed to latent issues not surfaced during routine MOT testing. Given the relatively modest annual mileage and the clean defect history, attention during a pre-purchase inspection should turn to age-related deterioration rather than wear-and-tear from heavy use. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which can occur even on lightly used or correctly inflated tyres once they reach several years of age, and the production date moulded on the sidewall should be checked regardless of the tread depth visible. The brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion from standing, especially in the UK's damp climate, so the buyer should look for signs of binding calipers, uneven brake pad wear, or a tendency for the vehicle to pull under braking. During a test drive, any clunks or knocking over uneven surfaces would point towards perished suspension bushes, worn anti-roll bar links, or weakened coil springs, all of which are common MOT failure areas on small Fiat vehicles of this generation and would warrant a more thorough examination on a ramp. Finally, calendar-based servicing items are likely to be more relevant than mileage-based ones on a car of this profile. The engine oil and filter, along with the spark plugs, drive belts, and coolant, should have been renewed according to time intervals rather than purely odometer readings, and the service book should be cross-referenced for evidence of annual or biennial servicing irrespective of the mileage covered. The 12-volt battery is a common failure point on Fiat 500s of this era, particularly if the vehicle has spent extended periods standing, so its age and state of charge should be verified and any dashboard warning for the stop-start system investigated. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should typically be renewed every two years regardless of mileage to maintain braking performance and prevent internal corrosion of the braking system. A final under-bonnet and under-vehicle visual check for fluid leaks, exhaust corrosion at the mounting points and flexi-joints, and any signs of oil seepage around the engine and gearbox seals would round off a sensible evaluation of what is otherwise a vehicle presenting an MOT history consistent with stable, light, and generally well-maintained use.