2012 Fiat Panda 0.9L Petrol · SW62 GVN

The most recent MOT, dated 24 October 2025, was recorded as a pass, but it followed a failure the previous day that highlighted a seriously worn rear shock‑absorber bush, excessive exhaust carbon‑monoxide emissions and heavily corroded rear brake pipes. Over the last three years the vehicle has oscillated between passes and multiple failures, with a clear pattern of recurring suspension bush wear, brake‑pipe corrosion and tyre tread loss. The trend is therefore deteriorating rather than stabilising, indicating that key wear items have not been addressed consistently. At 90,456 mi the Panda averages roughly 6,500 mi per annum, which is typical for a 14‑year‑old small car. The mileage does not suggest any periods of extreme short‑term abuse, but the relatively modest annual distance combined with the age means many components have been in service for well over a decade. Consequently, wear is largely calendar‑driven – rubber bushings, seals and tyres degrade with time as much as with distance, and corrosion can develop even on low‑usage vehicles that sit idle for extended periods. A prospective buyer should give the suspension a thorough inspection. The rear shock‑absorber bush tops have been flagged as excessively worn and the front shocks were previously noted with fluid leaks; look for clunking or a hollow thump when traversing bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear that may indicate mis‑alignment or failing bushings. The off‑side and near‑side front track‑rod ball joints have shown progressive play, so feel for looseness when steering at low speed and listen for a knocking noise on cornering. The brake system demands immediate attention – both rear brake pipes are recorded as heavily corroded, and the front pipe shows similar greased corrosion. Verify the integrity of the pipes, look for rust or wet spots around the brake lines, and test the pedal for a firm, consistent feel; any sponginess or brake‑fluid leakage is a safety concern. Tyre tread depth is already below the legal 1.6 mm on all four wheels, so replacement is essential, and the remaining tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking or dry‑rot, especially given the vehicle’s age. The exhaust system failed an emissions test for excess CO, suggesting a possible leak or deteriorating catalytic converter; a visual check for cracked manifolds, rusted pipes or black soot around the tailpipe is advisable, and a functional test for unusual exhaust noises or a strong exhaust smell is warranted. Beyond the specific defects, the buyer should treat the car as a high‑kilometre, ageing vehicle. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation and confirm it holds charge under load, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for signs of ageing such as oil that appears dark, gritty or has a burnt odor, indicating a missed service. Check the condition of the brake discs for surface rust or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding. Finally, verify that the service book contains regular oil changes and any suspension or brake‑pipe repairs; a well‑documented maintenance history can mitigate some of the concerns raised by the MOT record, but the buyer should be prepared for the imminent replacement of shocks, brake pipes, tyres and possibly the exhaust system to bring the Panda back to a reliable and road‑worthy state.