2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · SL09 VXM

The vehicle currently presents a poor state of roadworthiness with a trend of worsening mechanical and structural neglect. While it passed a test in October 2024, the most recent inspection in September 2025 at 131,910 miles revealed multiple critical failures. These failures indicate a significant breakdown in the emissions and exhaust systems, specifically high carbon monoxide and lambda readings, alongside major exhaust leaks at the catalytic converter and flexi section. The presence of an inoperative parking brake and missing brake pipe supports suggests that essential maintenance was deferred. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,760 miles per year. There is a notable gap of over 9,000 miles between the 2022 and 2023 tests, and another 6,400 miles between the 2024 and September 2025 tests. While the annual usage is not excessive, the frequency of mechanical failures suggests that the vehicle is suffering from age-related degradation and lack of preventative care rather than high-mile wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the structural integrity and undercarriage. The 2023 failure flagged a corroded subframe and a seriously weakened rear axle, and the 2025 report noted these areas were covered in underseal, which often indicates an attempt to mask advanced corrosion. A physical inspection should verify if the structural rust has been treated or if it remains progressive. Furthermore, the steering has a history of play in the rack inner joints and track rod ball joints, requiring a close check to ensure these components have been replaced and adjusted.