2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · SL16 AEC

The most recent MOT test on 2025-10-15 confirmed the vehicle’s roadworthiness at 78,990 miles, though the preceding test on 2025-10-13—just two days earlier—was a failure without recorded defects. This pattern of consecutive tests, one passing and one failing, suggests either a minor administrative oversight or a temporary anomaly in the testing process rather than a mechanical trend. The previous cycle in 2024 followed the same structure: a failure on 2024-11-18 and a pass on 2024-11-19, both at identical mileages, reinforcing the likelihood of procedural repetition. No recurring faults or advisories appear in the record, indicating the tester did not identify persistent issues during these tests. The vehicle’s latest pass is only nine months old, placing it within the acceptable window for a 2016 model, though the abrupt retest raises cautious curiosity about what might have been scrutinised more closely. The recorded mileage progression shows consistent usage, averaging approximately 7,900 miles annually—a rate typical for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests spans 12 months, with mileage increasing by 3,753 miles, suggesting steady driving habits without prolonged periods of inactivity. The final two tests in 2025, however, reveal an unusually rapid accumulation of just 5 miles between failures, an anomaly unlikely to reflect real-world wear. This suggests either a test centre error or a deliberate retest, possibly due to a minor oversight in the initial inspection. No extended periods of low mileage are evident, which would otherwise indicate neglected maintenance or storage-related deterioration. Given the absence of recorded defects or advisories in the MOT history, a buyer should focus their inspection on high-wear components that often fail without explicit MOT flags. The suspension—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—should be examined for uneven wear or excessive play, as these are common points of failure in this model class. Binding brake calipers or seized wheel bearings might not always trigger a fail but can cause handling issues; check for uneven tyre wear or drag when lifting the vehicle. Corrosion is another critical area; inspect the wheel arches, sills, and subframe for rust penetration, as this model is prone to structural weakening over time. Finally, verify the exhaust system for leaks or sagging hangers, as these can lead to emissions failures or structural stress. The lack of advisories does not guarantee these areas are sound, so thorough visual and functional checks are essential.