2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · SA17 OLG

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding suspension component wear. While it passed the most recent test in March 2026 at 43,341 miles, the tester identified play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint and worn bushings on both rear shock absorbers. This represents a clear progression from the April 2024 test where only the rear shock bushes were noted, indicating that multiple suspension points are now degrading despite the low annual mileage. The mileage profile is low for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,800 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage, with the car covering roughly 4,700 miles between March 2025 and March 2026, and another 6,100 miles prior. This low mileage suggests less strain on the engine and drivetrain, but it can also lead to accelerated drying of rubber-based components like bushings and joints, which appears to be the root cause of the recurring suspension-related failures in this car's history. A buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire front suspension geometry, as the offside ball joint has already reached the point of developing play. The recurring issues with rear shock absorber bushings across 2024 and 2026 suggest that the rear shock units may soon require full replacement to prevent further handling instability. Additionally, the non-excessive oil leak noted in 2024 should be monitored to ensure it has not worsened into a more significant leak, as no follow-up was mentioned in subsequent tests.