2012 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · SA12 BFY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a persistent trend of deferred maintenance and progressive corrosion. While it passed the test in October 2024 at 103,315 miles, the record reveals a long history of recurring defects that remain unaddressed across years. The maintenance pattern is stable in a negative sense, as issues like the corroded engine sump and exhaust leaks have appeared since at least 2022, suggesting the owner only addresses the bare minimum required to pass inspections rather than performing preventative repairs. At 103,315 miles over 14 years, the car has averaged approximately 7,380 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for a small city car. The mileage accumulation is steady, with roughly 7,000 miles covered between the October 2023 and October 2024 tests. However, the low mileage has not protected the vehicle from age-related degradation, specifically regarding the structural integrity of the Macpherson struts and coil springs, which appear to be failing due to to environmental exposure rather than the distance driven. A buyer should be wary of the extensive structural corrosion noted across the suspension. The tester consistently flagged corrosion on both front Macpherson struts and both rear coil springs from 2022 through 2024. While these were described as not seriously weakened, the presence of rust on the mounting points and springs indicates that structural failure may be imminent. Furthermore, the engine sump is heavily corroded with an active oil leak that has persisted for three consecutive years, which will eventually lead to significant fluid loss if the sump is not replaced. Mechanical attention is also required for the steering column universal joint, which has been noted for play or wear since 2022. The 2024 test also identified distorted road wheels on both rear corners, which often results from pothing or impact damage that can affect handling and alignment. Given that the last MOT was in October 2024 and it is now June 2026, the vehicle is over eighteen months overdue for its next test, making an immediate inspection of the current state of brakes and tyres essential before purchase.