2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · TL08 ETH

A pattern of corrosion and suspension wear has been the defining mechanical theme across this Fiat 500's MOT history, with advisories on the rear axle and rear coil springs appearing repeatedly at every test since 2023, while front suspension components and shock absorbers have also been flagged intermittently over the same period. The most recent test on 21 July 2026 was a pass, but it carried five advisories that broadly continue the trend seen in 2025 and 2024 rather than signalling any improvement. The only outright failure in the recorded history, on 11 August 2025, was a serious one: dangerously thin front brake pads and significantly worn front brake discs were accompanied by headlamp, position lamp, and an interior door release failure, but the car passed its retest the following day once these items were rectified. Taken together, the record shows a vehicle that remains roadworthy at test time but is accumulating a steadily lengthening list of advisories related to chassis corrosion, suspension deterioration, and braking wear. The recorded mileage of 99,210 miles across seventeen years equates to an average of roughly 5,800 miles per year, which is low for a vehicle of this age and suggests either light regular use or extended periods of inactivity. This pattern matters because several of the advisories — notably the near side front shock absorber light oil misting recorded as far back as 2020 and reappearing in 2026, and the recurring front suspension arm pin or bush wear flagged in 2023 and 2025 — are typical of components that deteriorate through both age and limited movement. Lower annual mileage can also mask brake issues, as evidenced by the 2025 dangerous front brake pad finding; brake discs and pads corrode and seize when used infrequently, and the near side rear service brake binding advisory recorded in 2026 is consistent with a caliper that has seen little recent exercise. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas on inspection should mirror the specific components that have been flagged. The rear axle corrosion advisories span three consecutive tests, so it is essential to jack the car and examine the axle beam, mounting points, and surrounding floor pan for any progression beyond surface rust, paying particular attention to structural integrity around the spring seats. Both rear coil springs have been noted as corroded at the last two tests, and on a road drive any audible clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, or a noticeable change in ride height on either side, would indicate springs close to failure. The front suspension should be checked by hand for play in the lower arm rear bushes, which were flagged in both 2023 and 2025, and the front shocks listened for on compression over speed bumps, with any fresh oil residue on the nearside housing suggesting the existing misting has worsened. The braking system warrants particular attention given the 2025 dangerous failure. The front pads and discs were replaced at that point, so their current condition should be verified by direct inspection through the wheel, looking for scoring, lipping, and minimum thickness. The nearside rear brake binding advisory from the latest test suggests a seized or sticking caliper slide pin or piston, which would typically present as a wheel that runs hotter than its counterpart after driving, a dragging sensation, or uneven rear brake pad wear. The exhaust back box corrosion advisory from 2024 should also be checked, as a perforated silencer on a 2009 vehicle will only have deteriorated since, and the tyres — particularly the rears, which have been flagged for edge wear, perishing, and screw damage across multiple tests — should be inspected for age cracking in the sidewalls regardless of tread depth, given that perished rubber is a common MOT failure point on low-mileage cars of this vintage.