2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · RX66 WSW

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a trend of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. While the car passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 79,206 miles, this followed a significant failure just one day prior. That failure revealed a critical cluster of mechanical defects, including a binding rear service brake, damaged brake cables, and an excessively worn suspension arm ball joint. Although these issues were addressed to secure the pass, the recurring nature of failures in braking and suspension components suggests that the owner only addresses mechanical faults when forced to by the MOT testing process. The mileage pattern is consistent with a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,000 miles per year. There are no unusual gaps in testing, but the frequency of failures shows a worsening trend in mechanical upkeep. Between February 2021 at 35,530 miles and February 2026 at 79,206 miles, the vehicle failed three consecutive MOT tests. The clean record in February 2024 at 61,336 miles stands as an anomaly in a period where the vehicle condition clearly declined, particularly during the 2025 and 2026 cycles where multiple safety-critical components failed. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry. The record shows persistent issues with brake efficiency, damaged cables, and binding calipers, which indicate potential problems with seized components or neglected hydraulic lines. The suspension has a documented history of failure involving shock absorber leaks and worn bushes; the inspector should verify that the recent repair to the ball joint and top mounting was executed correctly to prevent further play. Furthermore, the recurring appearance of tyres worn to the limit or structural tears suggests a lack of attention to basic maintenance, necessitating a complete check of all four tyres and the integrity of the windscreen.