2007 Fiat Panda 1.4L Petrol · SP07 HEP

The vehicle presents a worsening maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT on 29 June 2026 at 112,640 miles revealing multiple advisories that suggest neglected upkeep. While it passed the latest test, the tester flagged a deteriorating offside rear wheel bearing with slight play, a severely deteriorated nearside front lower anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, and several tyres showing sidewall damage or perishing. These issues, alongside general surface corrosion on all suspension components, indicate that minor mechanical defects are being allowed to persist rather than being proactively addressed. The mileage profile shows a consistent, low-use pattern averaging roughly 5,900 miles per year over its 19-year lifespan. This low annual usage is evident in the steady progression from 44,575 miles in March 2014 to the current 112,640 miles. However, the low mileage has not prevented age-related degradation. The record shows a significant failure in June 2025 at 111,653 miles, where the vehicle failed on excessive wheel bearing play, a worn Macpherson strut top bush, and seriously weakened front brake discs. The fact that the vehicle required a failure and subsequent retest to address these items suggests a reactive rather than preventative maintenance approach. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The history shows recurring issues with brake discs being pitted, scored, or worn, including a failure in 2025 and advisories in 2024 and 2025. The presence of general surface corrosion on all suspension components and the recent advisory regarding the offside rear wheel bearing necessitate a close look at the structural integrity of the underbody and the condition of the bushes and bearings. The recent advisories regarding tyre sidewall damage and perishing also suggest that the tyres may be nearing the end of their safe service life due to age, regardless of tread depth. Specific attention should also be paid to the exhaust system, following the temporary repairs noted in the June 2024 test. Given the history of worn Macpherson strut bushes and ball joint dust cover deterioration, the entire front suspension assembly should be checked for play or excessive movement. The pattern of failing on tyres or having them incorrectly fitted, as seen in the May 2023 failure, further reinforces the need to verify that all consumables have been fitted and maintained to a professional standard.