2015 Fiat Punto 1.4L Petrol · SD15 MYM

The Fiat Punto’s roadworthiness record exhibits a concerning deterioration trend, particularly in its suspension and structural integrity, with the most recent test on 2026-02-18 revealing critical corrosion and a fractured front coil spring just six months prior to today’s date. The failure on 2026-02-17—where both front ball joints and a coil spring were deemed excessively worn or broken—demonstrates a failure to address fundamental suspension defects, despite passing the previous MOT in February 2025 without any recorded issues. The 2024 test highlighted ongoing wear in the anti-roll bar linkages and front strut mount, while the 2023 record revealed minor leaks and worn tyres, suggesting a gradual accumulation of neglect rather than sudden mechanical failure. The recent pass in February 2026, despite noting corrosion in the sub-frame and rear axle, implies the tester prioritised non-critical findings over the imminent suspension collapse evident just a day earlier. The vehicle’s mileage progression of 94,675 miles today, averaging roughly 8,600 miles annually, aligns with typical usage for its age but reveals irregular maintenance intervals. The largest gap between tests spans 14 months, from April 2024 to February 2025, during which the vehicle accumulated nearly 4,400 miles without inspection. While this is not extreme, the absence of pre-failure maintenance—such as addressing the 2023 oil leak or worn tyres—indicates a pattern of deferred upkeep. The 2023 to 2024 interval saw a sharper mileage jump of 13,939 miles in just 12 months, suggesting either aggressive driving or prolonged periods of inactivity between services. This inconsistency undermines confidence in the vehicle’s consistent care. A prospective buyer must prioritise an immediate, thorough inspection of the front suspension components, particularly the coil springs and ball joints, as the 2026 failure record confirms these as critical failure points. The fractured coil spring and worn ball joints pose an immediate risk to handling and stability, while the sub-frame and rear axle corrosion—noted in both the 2023 and 2026 tests—warries assessment for structural weakening, especially around welds and load-bearing sections. The 2024 and 2023 advisories on the anti-roll bar linkages and strut mount suggest these areas may also require replacement soon. Brake discs, though not currently failing, show pitting and wear, and the rear axle swivel pins from 2023 should be checked for excessive play or corrosion. Tyres, which approached the legal limit in 2023, must be inspected for uneven wear or edge damage, as this could indicate alignment or suspension issues. The oil leak from 2023, if unresolved, may have contributed to broader drivetrain wear.