2010 Fiat Grande Punto 1.4L Petrol · SC10 EXK

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 November 2024 resulted in a pass, although two advisories were issued regarding both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on their edges. While a pass is clearly favourable, the immediate prior test on 22 November 2024 was a failure with multiple major defects, including a serious fluid leak from an offside rear shock absorber and excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, alongside an inoperative rear registration plate lamp. The wider MOT history shows a mixed pattern, with three consecutive passes between 2021 and 2023 recording no defects, followed by a sharp deterioration in 2020 where the vehicle failed on a fractured nearside front coil spring and a leaking nearside rear shock absorber, with several advisories concerning exhaust leaks and corroded rear suspension components. This indicates a recurring issue with the suspension and steering geometry which a prospective buyer must investigate carefully, as these components directly affect roadholding, braking stability, and tyre wear rates. The recorded mileage of 89,097 miles over a sixteen year lifespan equates to an average of approximately 5,569 miles annually, which is notably below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Such a low annual mileage often suggests periods of inactivity or only short, low-speed journeys, both of which can be detrimental to mechanical condition. Short journeys prevent the engine and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature, encouraging moisture accumulation in the engine oil and potentially leading to internal corrosion, while prolonged standing allows brake discs to corrode and seize within the calipers, encourages tyre sidewall perishing from age, and degrades the 12 volt battery through chronic undercharging. Given the MOT history showing tyres consistently flagged for edge wear or perishing from 2020 onwards, the low mileage appears to have contributed to age-related deterioration of consumables rather than preserving them. The recurrence of shock absorber leaks, fractured coil springs, and corroded damper bodies across both 2020 and 2024 strongly suggests the suspension system is at the end of its service life and warrants a thorough physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front and rear suspension over bumps, observe any excessive body roll or pitching during cornering and braking, and check whether the vehicle sits level when parked as a fractured front spring will noticeably lower one corner. Inspect the offside front track rod end joint for perished or split rubber boots, excessive free play when rocked by hand, and uneven or feathered front tyre wear patterns, as a worn ball joint will cause the tyres to scrub excessively and the steering to wander. Given the rear shock absorbers have already leaked fluid on both the nearside and offside within four years, replacing all four dampers, coil springs, and the front suspension bushes as a complete overhaul would be a prudent investment to restore structural integrity and roadworthiness. Beyond the suspension, several age and mileage related items demand physical verification before purchase. Inspect the front flexible exhaust pipe for active blowing or hissing sounds when the engine is warm, as the 2020 advisories noted an exhaust gas leak from this joint, and check the rear silencer outer skin for advanced corrosion or detachment. Examine all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, particularly on the offside rear which was previously flagged for damage and perishing, and verify they are no older than six years by checking the DOT date codes, as rubber degrades chemically regardless of tread depth. Verify the battery holding voltage under load, check the engine oil and coolant levels and condition, and confirm the brake discs for any lipping or rust buildup that might indicate seized caliper slide pins. Finally, ensure the service book contains regular entries confirming timely replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and cambelt if applicable, as a vehicle of this vintage with such low annual mileage often suffers from neglected time-based servicing rather than distance-based wear.