2010 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · RV60 ABF

The Fiat Panda’s most recent MOT test, conducted just three weeks ago on 2025-07-30, confirms it passed without any recorded defects, though it was retested the day prior after an initial failure on 2025-07-28—both at the same mileage of 42,358. This pattern of consecutive tests suggests either a procedural oversight or a last-minute pre-sale inspection, as no defects were logged in either attempt. The preceding annual tests, from 2024 and 2023, also passed cleanly, indicating no consistent mechanical issues were detected by the tester. However, the repeated failure at identical mileage in 2023—just days apart—implies either a minor administrative error or a component nearing failure that was narrowly avoided. The recorded mileage of 42,358 miles over 16 years equates to an average of roughly 2,647 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gaps between tests are consistent, with no rapid mileage jumps or prolonged periods of inactivity, suggesting the car has been stored rather than actively driven. The lack of mileage progression between the 2023 and 2024 tests—just 3,393 miles over a year—reinforces this pattern. While low mileage can indicate lighter use, it also raises questions about whether critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers have been subjected to sufficient wear to identify latent failures. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear items that aren’t always flagged in standard tests. Focus on the suspension, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, as these are common failure points in older Fiat Pandas and often degrade silently. The brakes, while not explicitly failed, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the car has been stationary for extended periods. Structural corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and underbody, is another critical area—low mileage doesn’t negate rust progression, and this model is prone to it. Finally, verify the exhaust system for leaks or damage, as emissions-related failures are occasionally missed in tests but can indicate deeper mechanical neglect.