2015 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · ST65 DLE

The most recent DVSA examination on 30 October 2025 returned a Pass, but three advisories were issued that warrant careful attention from a prospective buyer. The first two relate to the nearside and offside rear brake pipes, which were recorded as corroded and covered in grease or other material. While the tester deemed the corrosion insufficient to fail the vehicle, brake pipes are safety-critical components and any surface corrosion on steel hydraulic lines will continue to progress. The third advisory noted corrosion on the rear axle, again not considered excessive at the time of test. Taken alongside the consistently clean results from 2022 through 2024, the appearance of these corrosion-related advisories in the most recent test suggests the early stages of a worsening trend rather than an improving one, particularly given that this is an eleven-year-old vehicle now entering the bracket where structural and hydraulic component degradation accelerates. The recorded mileage of 92,549 miles over an eleven-year lifespan equates to an annual average of approximately 8,414 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and reflects steady, regular use rather than long periods of standing or unusually high-mileage accumulation. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the relatively consistent year-on-year test pattern supports the impression of a car that has been used as intended. For a hot hatch of this type, this level of usage is generally beneficial from a mechanical standpoint, as regular driving helps prevent issues such as brake caliper seizure, exhaust condensate pooling, and deterioration of rubber components that commonly afflict low-mileage or stored vehicles. That said, the combination of age, mileage, and the advisories recorded demands a focused physical inspection prior to purchase. The rear brake pipes should be examined closely for any pitting, flaking, or swelling of the pipe wall, and the lines traced from the rear axle forward to assess the full extent of corrosion. Although the tester found the rear axle corrosion acceptable, this is an area that should be visually inspected for any bubbling of paint, surface scaling, or evidence of structural concern, particularly around mounting points and suspension pickup locations. On a test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for any metallic scraping or knocking from the rear suspension, as the previously noted slightly noisy rear wheel bearing from March 2021 may have progressed; any humming that increases with speed, or a noticeable change when cornering, would indicate the bearing requires replacement. Brake feel should be assessed for sponginess, pulling to one side under firm application, or any pulsation through the pedal, all of which could indicate hydraulic or braking system concerns consistent with the recorded advisories. Beyond the items flagged in the MOT history, age-appropriate inspections remain highly relevant. The tyres, although unlikely to be excessively worn given the mileage, should be examined for sidewall cracking or perishing, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth. The 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, as original equipment fitted in 2015 would be well beyond its typical service life, and a weak battery can cause erratic electrical behaviour in modern vehicles. Brake discs, particularly at the rear, may exhibit corrosion or lipping from standing or infrequent heavy use, and the caliper slide pins should be checked for free movement. Coolant and brake fluid are both time-served items that require replacement on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, so service history evidence of recent fluid changes would be reassuring. Finally, given this is an Abarth performance variant, particular attention should be paid to the clutch operation, gearbox synchro behaviour, and any signs of excessive exhaust smoke or boost system leaks, as these components are known wear items on higher-output small-capacity turbocharged engines.