2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · SL09 VXM

The most recent MOT, dated 4 September 2025, resulted in a failure on three major items – excessive carbon‑monoxide and lambda readings from the exhaust, and an ineffective front windscreen wiper – together with advisories concerning rear direction‑indicator colour and under‑seal covering of the front sub‑frame and suspension. Over the last five years the vehicle has accumulated a pattern of repeated failures, notably the 2022‑09‑21 double failure for leaking front shock absorbers and a leaking central front exhaust, and the 2021‑09‑15 failure of both rear parking‑brake units and a rear direction indicator. The frequency and seriousness of these defects indicate a deteriorating maintenance trend rather than a stabilising one. At 131 910 mi recorded in 2026 the car has logged roughly 7 800 mi per annum over its 17‑year life, which sits squarely within the UK average for a small city car. The mileage does not suggest any prolonged periods of inactivity, but it also does not point to high‑stress, high‑speed usage. The moderate annual distance means that wear items such as tyre tread, suspension bushes, brake pads and discs, and engine oil will have been consumed at a steady rate, and the vehicle is now entering the stage where age‑related degradation – rubber perishing, corrosion of under‑seal components and loss of battery capacity – becomes as significant as mileage‑related wear. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the exhaust system. The repeated major leaks and out‑of‑spec emissions imply cracked manifolds, rust‑eaten joints or a failed catalytic converter; a functional test should include listening for hissing or ticking at idle and checking for black soot around the exhaust pipe and under the vehicle. The front shock absorbers were recorded as leaking fluid in 2022; any soft, spongy feel, excessive dive under braking or clunking over bumps would confirm that the dampers are compromised and will need replacement. The front sub‑frame and suspension under‑seal noted in 2025 suggests corrosion protection may be failing – inspect for rust on the sub‑frame rails, suspension mounting points and check that the under‑seal is intact, as hidden corrosion can affect handling and tyre wear. The rear parking‑brake inoperability and direction‑indicator colour failures recorded in 2021 must be rectified; verify that both rear brakes engage evenly and that the indicators illuminate correctly, as faulty parking‑brake operation can mask rear‑wheel lock‑up under emergency stops. In addition to the specific defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough general inspection. Examine all four tyres for side‑wall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear, especially the off‑side rear tyre flagged as perishing in 2023; replace any tyre whose tread depth is below 3 mm or shows age‑related brittleness. Check the 12 V battery for voltage under load and for any signs of electrolyte leakage, as a 17‑year‑old battery is likely nearing the end of its service life. Verify that the oil leak noted in 2024 is not progressing – look for fresh oil on the sump plug or under the engine bay and confirm that the oil level is correct and the oil is not contaminated. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or chain) service entries, and that the front wiper blades are replaced, since a non‑functioning wiper contributed to the latest failure. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it back to a reliable, MOT‑passable condition.