2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · RO09 OLU

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 5 March 2026 resulted in a pass, but this was only achieved after a same-day failure for a dangerous tyre defect whereby the offside front tyre had ply or cords exposed. The test still carried forward three advisories noting corrosion to the rear suspension and to both front and rear coil springs. Looking across the full MOT history, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening rather than stable. Each successive test has introduced new advisories relating to structural and suspension corrosion, the exhaust system has deteriorated progressively, and the 2024 test resulted in a failure for excessively worn front suspension arm pins or bushes, with both shock absorbers replaced in 2023 following serious fluid leaks. The compounding pattern of corrosion advisories on coil springs, the rear subframe and the underbody, combined with the escalation from minor oil misting in 2022 to serious shock absorber leakage by 2023, indicates a vehicle whose mechanical condition is deteriorating in line with its age. The recorded mileage of 102,778 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to around 6,046 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and suggests neither prolonged standing nor excessively high accumulation. The MOT history is reasonably consistent in this regard, with tests recorded roughly every one to two years, indicating the car has remained in regular if modest use. However, the relatively modest annual mileage should not be read as a wholly positive indicator on a seventeen year old city car, because moderate use combined with age related exposure remains sufficient to produce the kind of progressive corrosion, bushing wear and perishing seen throughout the record. Calendar based deterioration of rubber, fluids and underbody protection will continue regardless of mileage, particularly on a small Fiat 500 which is known to be susceptible to subframe corrosion. For a prospective buyer, the recurring coil spring and rear subframe corrosion advisories warrant close physical inspection of the underbody, ideally with the vehicle raised, to assess the structural integrity of the rear suspension mounting points and the springs themselves, as further deterioration between advisories and failure is a common progression. Symptoms to listen for on a test drive include clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, vague or wandering rear end behaviour, and any feeling of looseness through the rear axle. The exhausted front clamp, flexible joint and rear box were already noted as deteriorated in 2024 and these should be checked for blowing exhaust gases, rattles on start up, and visible blueing or splitting of the flexi section. The dangerous tyre failure earlier this year also serves as a reminder to inspect the current tyres thoroughly for tread depth, sidewall cracking, perishing and uneven wear, particularly on the front edges as previously flagged. Given the age and the documented suspension, shock absorber and exhaust wear, any test drive should include a careful listen for front suspension knocks over speed bumps or rough roads, checking for pulling or vibration under braking which could indicate warped or corroded brake discs, and observing the tracking for any drift suggesting worn bushes or spring collapse. The cooling system, cambelt and clutch operation should be verified through the service history, while the braking system should be examined for seized calipers as a consequence of low speed urban use. Age appropriate checks should also include testing the 12 volt battery under load, examining all underbonnet rubber hoses for perishing, inspecting the condition of timing and auxiliary drive belts, and confirming that brake fluid, coolant and engine oil have been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. Given the evident structural and corrosion concerns, it would be prudent to budget for remedial suspension and exhaust work before purchase.