2006 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · SN55 MMD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of worsening structural degradation and mechanical neglect. While it passed its latest test in March 2026 at 81,920 miles, this followed a failure just three days prior due to significant brake issues. The owner addressed the immediate nearside rear brake cable and parking brake efficiency, yet recurring faults such as the steering rack inner joint play and the exhaust leak have persisted across multiple years, indicating that repairs are reactive rather than preventative. At just 81,920 miles, the mileage is exceptionally low for a twenty-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,100 miles per year. The data shows consistent low-usage patterns, with only 2,152 miles covered between March 2024 and February 2025, and another 2,059 miles in the year preceding the latest test. However, this low mileage correlates with age-related failures, specifically evidenced by the perishing tyres noted in the March 2026 test, where rubber components are failing from time and exposure rather than tread wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting points. The record consistently flags corrosion in these areas since 2024, reaching a critical point in March 2024 when the offside rear suspension mounting showed significant structural strength loss. While currently noted as not seriously weakened, the presence of rust on the sub-frame suggests a high risk of future structural failure. The steering rack should be checked for excessive play, as the inner joints have been a documented fault for over two years without recorded rectification.