2013 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · SM13 JVD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a persistent failure to address steering components. The most recent test in September 2025 at 81,714 miles noted slight play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint. This specific fault is a direct recurrence of a defect flagged in September 2024 at 75,420 miles. While the car has passed its latest inspection, the ongoing nature of this issue suggests a reactive approach to repairs rather than proactive replacement of worn suspension parts. The recorded mileage of 81,714 miles over 13 years reflects an average usage of approximately 6,286 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical light city use for this model. The data shows consistent annual testing, with roughly 6,000 miles driven between the September 2024 and 2025 tests. This steady usage suggests the vehicle has not sat stationary for long periods, though the low annual mileage means that components like rubber bushes and seals may be subject to age-related degradation regardless of the odometer reading. A buyer must specifically inspect the front suspension and shock absorber assemblies. The history shows a clear degradation of the nearside front shock absorber, progressing from light misting in 2023 to a serious fluid leak that caused a failure in 2024. Furthermore, the recurring track rod end issues across the last three tests indicate that the steering geometry hardware is nearing the end of its life. Inspection should also verify the condition of the rear shock absorbers, as previous failures highlighted excessively worn bushes on both sides.