2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · RO64 SZP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 14 January 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory for a minor rear‑exhaust leak. Over the last six years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring exhaust‑system advisories, a water‑pump coolant leak noted in 2022, and a slightly worn front upper shock‑absorber bush in 2024. Apart from the isolated wiper‑blade failure in 2019, there have been no outright failures since then, suggesting that while the car’s overall maintenance has not deteriorated dramatically, a small number of ageing components are beginning to require attention. With 28 913 miles on the clock after eleven years of life the average annual mileage works out at roughly 2 600 mi, which is well below the UK average for a small city car. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity rather than heavy use, and this can accelerate the ageing of rubber components, battery plates and brake hardware even though the mechanical wear from mileage is modest. The mileage record does not reveal any sudden spikes that would indicate a period of intensive use, so the principal concerns are related to calendar‑based degradation rather than high‑mileage wear. A prospective buyer should give the rear‑exhaust system a thorough visual inspection, looking for cracked or corroded pipes, damaged clamps and any signs of soot or carbon build‑up around the mounting points. On a short drive listen for a faint hissing or ticking that changes with engine load, and check that there is no exhaust smell entering the cabin, especially when the engine is warm. The water‑pump leak reported in 2022 should be verified by inspecting the coolant reservoir and surrounding hoses for fresh moisture or coolant residue, and by confirming that the coolant level is correct and the fluid is a clear, bright colour rather than discoloured or gritty. The front upper shock‑absorber bush, noted as slightly worn, should be examined for play or cracking when the wheel is pushed up and down; any clunk or uneven bounce may indicate that the bush will need replacement soon. Finally, the wiper blades that failed in 2019 should be tested for effective clearing of the windscreen, as ineffective wiping can be a safety issue in wet weather. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, the buyer should also check for age‑related items that are not captured by the MOT record. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that can develop even on lightly used tyres, and verify the tyre age by reading the four‑digit DOT code (the first two digits indicate the week and the last two the year of manufacture). Inspect the 12‑volt battery for corrosion on the terminals and consider a load test, as batteries can lose capacity after long periods of storage. Look at the brake discs and pads for surface rust, especially if the car has been sitting for extended periods; any pitting or uneven disc wear may require resurfacing or replacement. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and that the timing belt or chain (as applicable to the 1.2‑litre Fiat 500) has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s interval, because time‑based fluid degradation can affect engine longevity even when mileage is low.